Delft
Do you want to work on cutting edge nanotechnology research? Are you interested in the physical chemistry and physics of colloidal quantum dot devices?
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a background in physical chemistry or materials physics to join the project “One Ink to Rule Them All: Integrated Short-Wave Infrared Photodetectors and Light-Emitting Devices Based on III-V Quantum Dots for Wearable Photonic Technologies (ONE INK)”, funded through the PhotonDelta National Growth Fund programme.
ONE INK aims to develop a single printable quantum‑dot ink that can both emit and detect short‑wave infrared (SWIR) light, enabling a new generation of compact, low-cost, and wearable health‑sensing technologies. Using III–V semiconductor nanocrystals, the project will create materials that make it possible to monitor key health markers without invasive blood tests. The ability to print light sources and detectors from one ink directly onto electronics simplifies manufacturing and supports the future of personalised, preventive healthcare. The project will also employ a postdoctoral researcher who will work alongside the PhD candidate.
As a PhD candidate You will work in the NCFun group of Prof. Arjan Houtepen, with Dr. Tom Savenije as co‑supervisor. You will be embedded in a vibrant research environment and closely collaborate with QDI Systems (Groningen) and imec (Leuven). The position is part of a larger, interdisciplinary team working on the synthesis, characterization and device integration of nanomaterials for optoelectronic applications.
Research focus
Physical chemistry and photophysics of semiconductor nanomaterials
Colloidal chemistry and wet‑chemical synthesis routes
Surface passivation strategies to control trap densities and charge dynamics
Fabrication and testing of opto‑electronic devices based on solution‑processed nanomaterials
Linking nanocrystal structure, electronic properties and device performance
Your profile You have a completed Master’s degree in physical chemistry, materials science, applied physics, or a closely related field. You combine a strong interest in the synthesis, structure and properties of nanomaterials with a solid understanding of solid‑state physics.
Ideal candidate experience
Colloidal synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials
Characterization of nanocrystals and their surfaces
Time‑resolved or steady‑state optical spectroscopy
Opto‑electronic device fabrication and testing
What we offer
A full‑time PhD position at TU Delft in a leading European research environment
Access to state‑of‑the‑art synthesis, characterization and device fabrication facilities
Close collaboration with industrial and academic partners in the Netherlands and Belgium
The opportunity to contribute to innovative semiconductor materials and device concepts with real‑world impact
Conditions of employment Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4‑year period of employment, in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5‑year contract with an official go/no‑go progress assessment within 12 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years, assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits Salary is in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, ranging from €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a full‑time contract (38 hours). In addition, you will receive 8 % holiday allowance and an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3 %.
Application procedure Send your CV, motivational letter and any other required documents no later than
28 January 2026
via the application button. Address your application to Prof. Arjan Houtepen.
Additional information For more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact prof. Arjan Houtepen via A.J.Houtepen@tudelft.nl.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a background in physical chemistry or materials physics to join the project “One Ink to Rule Them All: Integrated Short-Wave Infrared Photodetectors and Light-Emitting Devices Based on III-V Quantum Dots for Wearable Photonic Technologies (ONE INK)”, funded through the PhotonDelta National Growth Fund programme.
ONE INK aims to develop a single printable quantum‑dot ink that can both emit and detect short‑wave infrared (SWIR) light, enabling a new generation of compact, low-cost, and wearable health‑sensing technologies. Using III–V semiconductor nanocrystals, the project will create materials that make it possible to monitor key health markers without invasive blood tests. The ability to print light sources and detectors from one ink directly onto electronics simplifies manufacturing and supports the future of personalised, preventive healthcare. The project will also employ a postdoctoral researcher who will work alongside the PhD candidate.
As a PhD candidate You will work in the NCFun group of Prof. Arjan Houtepen, with Dr. Tom Savenije as co‑supervisor. You will be embedded in a vibrant research environment and closely collaborate with QDI Systems (Groningen) and imec (Leuven). The position is part of a larger, interdisciplinary team working on the synthesis, characterization and device integration of nanomaterials for optoelectronic applications.
Research focus
Physical chemistry and photophysics of semiconductor nanomaterials
Colloidal chemistry and wet‑chemical synthesis routes
Surface passivation strategies to control trap densities and charge dynamics
Fabrication and testing of opto‑electronic devices based on solution‑processed nanomaterials
Linking nanocrystal structure, electronic properties and device performance
Your profile You have a completed Master’s degree in physical chemistry, materials science, applied physics, or a closely related field. You combine a strong interest in the synthesis, structure and properties of nanomaterials with a solid understanding of solid‑state physics.
Ideal candidate experience
Colloidal synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials
Characterization of nanocrystals and their surfaces
Time‑resolved or steady‑state optical spectroscopy
Opto‑electronic device fabrication and testing
What we offer
A full‑time PhD position at TU Delft in a leading European research environment
Access to state‑of‑the‑art synthesis, characterization and device fabrication facilities
Close collaboration with industrial and academic partners in the Netherlands and Belgium
The opportunity to contribute to innovative semiconductor materials and device concepts with real‑world impact
Conditions of employment Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4‑year period of employment, in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5‑year contract with an official go/no‑go progress assessment within 12 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years, assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits Salary is in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, ranging from €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a full‑time contract (38 hours). In addition, you will receive 8 % holiday allowance and an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3 %.
Application procedure Send your CV, motivational letter and any other required documents no later than
28 January 2026
via the application button. Address your application to Prof. Arjan Houtepen.
Additional information For more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact prof. Arjan Houtepen via A.J.Houtepen@tudelft.nl.
#J-18808-Ljbffr