PhD: Instrumentation for quantitative nanoparticle analysis (valorization focus)

PhD: Instrumentation for quantitative nanoparticle analysis (valorization focus) Go back Onderzoeksgebouw VU 1 / 1 PhD Closes on 18-09-2026 Amsterdam Faculty of Science MSc Publishing date 17-08-2026 Apply PhD: Instrumentation for quantitative nanoparticle analysis (valorization focus) Onderzoeksgebouw VU Amsterdam 1 / 1 Faculty of Science PhD MSc Closes on 18-09-2026 Publishing date 17-08-2026 Apply You will develop a holographic imaging platform, analysis pipelines and assays to move an existing technology from our labs to the market. Your function We are looking for a highly motivated student that is excited about developing optical instrumentation for applications in nanosizing and characterization. The project is based on NWO OTP-funding and a direct extension of previous work ( 1 , 2 , 3 ) with a strong focus on valorization and commercialization. We have a first generation holographic nanoparticle tracking platform, long-standing expertise and a team of industrial collaborators from the pharmaceutical and clinical sectors. Based on these starting points, you will develop a second generation platform that we want to test in the wet-labs of our collaborators thus taking crucial steps towards a commercially viable product. Your tasks in the project will revolve around designing and building a second generation holographic nanoparticle tracking platform, devising suitable sample chambers and developing robust measurement protocols and analysis pipelines. Your duties develop and optimize a benchtop-compatible, turnkey, holographic nanoparticle tracking instrument move sizing accuracy, precision and detection sensitivities to their absolute limits devise computational strategies to ensure robust 3D particle tracking improve measurement protocols and sample chamber geometries interact with clinical and industrial stakeholders through frequent user meetings be excited about valorization and commercialization writing and defending your PhD thesis Your profile You should be excited about experimental science at the intersection of fundamental and applied scienes and hold a master’s degree in physics, chemistry or engineering with an outstanding track record. Proficiency in English (written and oral) is required. Previous experience in microscopy, nanophotonics, optical design or computational imaging is desired but not a must. Finally, the ability to independently and creatively work in a diverse interdisciplinary environment is essential. You will be a crucial partner in the QnA-team comprising academic, clinical and commercial stakeholders from a variety of disciplines. As such, clear communication and skills and a team-player attitude are crucial requirements. Due to the strong integration of all partners, you need to be able to attend regular in-person events at locations within Europe. As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognizing that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset. We realize that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognizes themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements. What do we offer? A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you: a salary of minimum € 3.204,00 (PhD) and maximum € 4.051,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, on a full-time basis. a 1.0 FTE position. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples: A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata. 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus contribution to commuting expenses optional model for designing a personalized benefits package a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge About us Our team We develop next generation optical imaging and sensing platforms in the context of future biomedical, pharmaceutical and clinical applications. We are particularly interested in label-free or digital approaches: low-cost key-enablers for democratizing state-of-the-art healthcare globally. We realise this vision by combining fundamental research with systematic platform and assay development. Sometimes, we meet our target by simplifying and adopting existing technologies. On many occasions, however, we start from a curiosity-driven hypothesis where applicability is a long term high-gain objective. To realise our vision, we combine an interdisciplinary toolbox ranging from molecular biology over ultrafast optics to digital holography with the key-ingredient being creativity and room for personal development. Selected research topics are outlined below. Faculty of Science Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature. We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future. Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely. - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 5,500 staff work at the VU and over 30,000 students attend academic education. Diversity Diversity is the driving force of the VU. The VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding. We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services. Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community. Interested Do you want to develop next-generation imaging platforms with the potential to truly make an impact? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application. Interviews will be held on a running basis until a suitable candidate is identify. As such, we encourage early application. Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process. Please submit the following documents: Updated CV including Bachelor and Master grades and the contact information of two references A brief motivation letter (half page max) Applications received by e-mail or incomplete applications will not be considered. Your function We are looking for a highly motivated student that is excited about developing optical instrumentation for applications in nanosizing and characterization. The project is based on NWO OTP-funding and a direct extension of previous work ( 1 , 2 , 3 ) with a strong focus on valorization and commercialization. We have a first generation holographic nanoparticle tracking platform, long-standing expertise and a team of industrial collaborators from the pharmaceutical and clinical sectors. Based on these starting points, you will develop a second generation platform that we want to test in the wet-labs of our collaborators thus taking crucial steps towards a commercially viable product. Your tasks in the project will revolve around designing and building a second generation holographic nanoparticle tracking platform, devising suitable sample chambers and developing robust measurement protocols and analysis pipelines. Your duties develop and optimize a benchtop-compatible, turnkey, holographic nanoparticle tracking instrument move sizing accuracy, precision and detection sensitivities to their absolute limits devise computational strategies to ensure robust 3D particle tracking improve measurement protocols and sample chamber geometries interact with clinical and industrial stakeholders through frequent user meetings be excited about valorization and commercialization writing and defending your PhD thesis Your profile You should be excited about experimental science at the intersection of fundamental and applied scienes and hold a master’s degree in physics, chemistry or engineering with an outstanding track record. Proficiency in English (written and oral) is required. Previous experience in microscopy, nanophotonics, optical design or computational imaging is desired but not a must. Finally, the ability to independently and creatively work in a diverse interdisciplinary environment is essential. You will be a crucial partner in the QnA-team comprising academic, clinical and commercial stakeholders from a variety of disciplines. As such, clear communication and skills and a team-player attitude are crucial requirements. Due to the strong integration of all partners, you need to be able to attend regular in-person events at locations within Europe. As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognizing that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset. We realize that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognizes themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements. What do we offer? A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you: a salary of minimum € 3.204,00 (PhD) and maximum € 4.051,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, on a full-time basis. a 1.0 FTE position. Your employment contract will initially last 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples: A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata. 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus contribution to commuting expenses optional model for designing a personalized benefits package a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge About us Our team We develop next generation optical imaging and sensing platforms in the context of future biomedical, pharmaceutical and clinical applications. We are particularly interested in label-free or digital approaches: low-cost key-enablers for democratizing state-of-the-art healthcare globally. We realise this vision by combining fundamental research with systematic platform and assay development. Sometimes, we meet our target by simplifying and adopting existing technologies. On many occasions, however, we start from a curiosity-driven hypothesis where applicability is a long term high-gain objective. To realise our vision, we combine an interdisciplinary toolbox ranging from molecular biology over ultrafast optics to digital holography with the key-ingredient being creativity and room for personal development. Selected research topics are outlined below. Faculty of Science Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature. We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future. Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely. - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 5,500 staff work at the VU and over 30,000 students attend academic education. Diversity Diversity is the driving force of the VU. The VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding. We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services. Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community. Questions about the vacancy? Please contact Matz Liebel Assistant professor Send an email Interested Do you want to develop next-generation imaging platforms with the potential to truly make an impact? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application. Interviews will be held on a running basis until a suitable candidate is identify. As such, we encourage early application. Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process. Please submit the following documents: Updated CV including Bachelor and Master grades and the contact information of two references A brief motivation letter (half page max) Applications received by e-mail or incomplete applications will not be considered. Questions about the vacancy? Please contact Matz Liebel Assistant professor Send an email Application procedure Step 1 Application received We have received your application successfully. We aim to give you an initial response as soon as possible. This is generally two weeks after the deadline. Step 2 Screening CV A selection committee will assess whether you meet the requirements for the vacancy. If your assessment is positive, we will invite you for a first (hybrid) job interview. Step 3 1st Interview Job interviews usually take place at a VU Campus, but sometimes you will be invited for a video interview first. The VU uses MS teams for this purpose. Step 4 2nd Interview For the second interview, we usually ask you to come to our VU campus. Step 5 Assessment Depending on the position, the submission of a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) and/or an assessment may be part of the application procedure. The submission of a diploma is always requested at the time of onboarding. Step 6 Optional background check Depending on the position and the associated risk profile, a background check may be conducted by the VU. This may include information from public social media accounts of the applicant (such as LinkedIn, Instagram), public statements made by the applicant on the internet and references provided by the applicant. Step 7 Onboarding Welcome you are employed by VU Amsterdam!!! Other interesting vacancies PhD: Learning interactions in collective cell migration 0.9 / 1 Faculty of Science PhD MSc Closes on 30-09-2026 Publishing date 20-07-2026 0.0 km The Broedersz group (Theoretical physics of life) has an opening for a four-year PhD student position on the non-equilibrium statistical physics of collective cell migration. 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• develop and optimize a benchtop-compatible, turnkey, holographic nanoparticle tracking instrument
• move sizing accuracy, precision and detection sensitivities to their absolute limits
• devise computational strategies to ensure robust 3D particle tracking
• improve measurement protocols and sample chamber geometries
• interact with clinical and industrial stakeholders through frequent user meetings
• be excited about valorization and commercialization
• writing and defending your PhD thesis
• Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences
• Publishing date 17-08-2026
• Are you interested in understanding how attention shapes what we see? Would you like to combine behavioural experiments, psychophysics, and eye tracking to uncover how the brain selects and prioritises visual information from the world around us?
• PhD student (4 years) on Nihilistic Violent Extremist Groups 1 / 1 Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences PhD MSc Closes on 24-08-2026 Publishing date 16-07-2026 0.1 km Interested in conducting interdisciplinary research on Nihilistic Violent Extremist Groups as a PhD student combining insights from criminology and psychology, combining qualitative analyses with sophisticated data science techniques?
• PhD student (4 years) on Nihilistic Violent Extremist Groups

• You should be excited about experimental science at the intersection of fundamental and applied scienes and hold a master’s degree in physics, chemistry or engineering with an outstanding track record.
• Proficiency in English (written and oral) is required.
• Previous experience in microscopy, nanophotonics, optical design or computational imaging is desired but not a must.
• Finally, the ability to independently and creatively work in a diverse interdisciplinary environment is essential.
• You will be a crucial partner in the QnA-team comprising academic, clinical and commercial stakeholders from a variety of disciplines.
• As such, clear communication and skills and a team-player attitude are crucial requirements.
• Due to the strong integration of all partners, you need to be able to attend regular in-person events at locations within Europe.
• As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognizing that diversity takes many forms.
• We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service.
• We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• We realize that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognizes themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.