PhD Position Projection System TE Imaging in Scanning Electron Microscope; SEM

PhD Position:
Projection System for TE Imaging in Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is one of the most widely used imaging tools in nanoscience, materials research, semiconductor manufacturing, and the life sciences. Its highest spatial resolution is still obtained through transmission electron (TE) imaging, which requires a large, expensive, and highly specialized (Scanning) Transmission Electron Microscope ((S)
TEM). This project aims to bring transformative TE techniques—electron diffraction, low-energy STEM, and phase-contrast imaging—to compact, affordable, and widely accessible SEM platforms. The goal is to develop a proof‑of‑concept transmission electron projection column based on miniaturised electron‑optical components, enabling high‑resolution transmission imaging alongside complementary modalities such as light microscopy, cathodoluminescence, and focused ion beam processing.

As a PhD candidate at TU Delft you will work closely with our industrial partner Delmic to design, simulate, fabricate and experimentally validate a novel MEMS‑based transmission electron projection column integrated inside an SEM. The research follows a three‑phase plan:

• Phase 1 – develop analytical and numerical models of the electron optics; optimise performance through large‑scale simulations using commercial electron‑optical software and custom Python‑based tools.
• Phase 2 – design and fabricate the electron‑optical components with advanced MEMS technology, high‑precision machining, or a combination of both; develop the associated electronics, vacuum hardware and experimental instrumentation.
• Phase 3 – assemble, test and validate the prototype inside an SEM; compare experimental measurements with numerical predictions to refine the physical models and instrument design.

You will collaborate closely with researchers at TU Delft and engineers at Delmic, publish your findings in leading international journals, present at scientific conferences and provide supervision to BSc and MSc students.

The PhD candidate will join the Gheidari Lab, part of the Microscopy Instrumentation and Techniques (MInT) Group within the Department of Imaging Physics at TU Delft.

You are a highly motivated researcher with a strong interest in electron optics, instrumentation development and computational modelling, eager to bridge simulation and experiment to realise next‑generation electron microscopy systems. You enjoy working at the interface of fundamental research and industrial innovation, and you have an ability to communicate effectively with colleagues at TU Delft and Delmic. You also enjoy mentoring bachelor and master students.

• An MSc degree in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Demonstrable skills in numerical modelling, simulation and data analysis.
• A solid understanding of physics, optics, electron optics, MEMS, experimental physics and microscopy systems.
• A proactive and curious mindset, with the ability to explore complex problems independently and collaboratively.
• A good command of spoken and written English; you will write scientific articles and your dissertation in English and participate in English‑taught courses.
• An enthusiasm for coaching bachelor and master students, and for presenting your work in scientific articles and international conferences.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4‑year period of employment, typically in the form of two contracts: an initial 1.5‑year contract with an official go/no‑go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional 2.5‑year contract assuming satisfactory performance. Salary and benefits comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, ranging from €3 059 to €3 881 gross per month from year 1 to year 4 (38 hours per week), plus 8 % holiday allowance and an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3 %.

The PhD candidate will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School and will receive a customisable compensation package with additional benefits such as health‑insurance discounts and a monthly work‑costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.