PhD Position One Ink

Do you want to work on cutting edge nanotechnology research? Are you interested in the physical chemistry and physics of colloidal quantum dot devices?

Job description

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.

Your research will focus on:

• 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.

The ideal candidate has experience with one or more of the following:

• Colloidal synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials
• Characterization of nanocrystals and their surfaces
• Time-resolved or steady-state optical spectroscopy
• Opto-electronic device fabrication and testing

You enjoy working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment and are motivated to contribute to both fundamental understanding and technological development.

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

Job requirements

For this position we are looking for a physical chemist or materials physicist with a completed master degree. You should combine a keen interest in the synthesis and properties of nanomaterials with understanding of solid state physics.

The ideal candidate has prior experience with the colloidal materials, synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials and opto-electronic devices.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact prof. Arjan Houtepen via

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 28 January 2026 upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to prof. Arjan Houtepen.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Faculty/Department: Faculty of Applied Sciences

Salary range: €3059 - €3881

Hours per week: 32-40

FTE: 1,0

Submission is possible until: 28 Jan 2026

ID job: 2913