Postdoctoral fellowship in DUV-based nano(bio)sensing

All optical and label free biomolecularly-resolved nanosizing based on single particle observations in the DUV: Join our interdisciplinary team at the VU to develop record-breaking next-generation instruments.

All-optical nanosizing and sensing has traditionally relied on particle-scattering techniques, which infer nanoparticle characteristics. While effective, these methods lack the ability to measure molecular composition, making it impossible to distinguish target analytes from contaminants, a serious limitation.

Unlocking molecular-level information at the nanoscale would enable accurate, label-free sensing in complex biomedical samples, thus transforming current approaches. To give a few examples, molecularly resolved nanoscopy would allow us to quantify drug loading in nanomedicines, measure nucleic acids in viruses, and monitor nanocatalyst turnover.

During this 30-month postdoctoral fellowship, you will provide the technology: all-optical, label-free single-particle nanoscopy in the DUV, in direct resonance with electronic transitions.This innovative approach will offer analyte-specific insights and significantly boost signal levels. The clear and ambitious goal is to deliver technologies that not only surpass current gold-standard methods but also enable measurements that were previously unattainable.

Beyond proof-of-concept demonstrations, the project aims to establish DUV-based nanosizing as a viable, adaptable methodology. To achieve this, we will develop low-cost hyperspectral DUV imaging approaches combining holographic imaging with Fourier transform methods, enabled by a broadly tunable DUV light source.

With the support of our interdisciplinary team, you will take a leading role in this ambitious project and:

• Develop DUV nanosizing and imaging methods with ultimate sensitivity and accuracy.
• Create holographic imaging and advanced image-correction algorithms.
• Develop and operate a simple tunable DUV light source based on a high-intensity femtosecond amplifier.
• Apply your holographic DUV microscope to solve key challenges in label-free biomedical nanoscopy.
• Facilitate the transition of DUV-based technologies into widely usable and accessible platforms.
• Explore and implement biomolecularly resolved nanosizing technologies.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in experimental nanophotonics, all-optical sensing or label-free microscopy.  

• PhD degree in Chemistry, Physics or Nanotechnology
• Hand-on experience with advanced experimental optics is a must
• Experience with microscopy beyond operating commercial microscopes is desirable
• Experience with label-free or holographic imaging/sensing of single nano-objects is a bonus
• Experience with nonlinear optics, spectroscopy or DUV is a bonus
• Experience with programming and hardware-software interfacing is a plus
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excited about interdisciplinary research as part of multidisciplinary and diverse team
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaboratively work with other researchers
• Eager to learn and apply new skills 

A fully funded one year postdoctoral fellowship with ample room for personal development in a socially engaged organisation. We offer:

• A salary of minimum € 3.345,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 4.185,00 (Scale 10.5) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• The appointment will initially be for 1 year. Subject to a positive evaluation, the contract will be extended for a total duration of 30 months.
• Plenty of room to acquire new skills to develop a highly-competitive research portfolio.

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
• space for personal development
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

The MatzLab develops next-generation imaging and sensing platforms in the context of future biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical applications. We are particularly interested in label-free or digital approaches, where we combine fundamental research with systematic platform and assay development. To realise our vision, we build on an interdisciplinary toolbox comprising molecular biology, ultrafast optics, advanced microscopy, and nanophotonics, with the key ingredient being creativity and room for personal development.

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.

• Please send me an up-to-date CV including a list of publications
• Tell me why you want to join our team (to the point short cover letter)
• Contact details of at least two references 

Evaluation will be done on a rolling basis until the vacancy is filled.

Any questions prior to applying? Please directly contact Matz Liebel.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.