PhD Position Amplitude & Phase Control in Optical Metrology

In this project, you will work on the ideation, modeling, and experimental validation of novel techniques to address some of these challenges. You will join a research group with long-standing expertise in coherent optical scatterometry, a method for measuring the shape of nanostructures by analyzing coherently scattered light from a target of interest. Within the project, you will investigate how to achieve full control over the amplitude and phase of the input probe, what additional constraints on the field can be derived from first principles, and how these constraints can improve the technique's performance, particularly when embedded in modern machine learning models. The ultimate goal is to retrieve shapes, overlay errors, and other geometrical parameters of the target using methods ranging from local and global optimizers to priors and neural networks developed by partners in the project.

Job requirements

You have a passion for science, are a continuous learner, and possess good theoretical foundations, with a willingness to work on both theoretical models and experimental setups. You know how to code, or are willing to learn. You are a team player who enjoys working with others, shares knowledge openly, and brings a constructive mindset. You feel rewarded when an idea lands on a new metrology tool. Finally, you act with integrity and intellectual honesty.

The outstanding candidate is not someone who already perfectly masters all the required skills, but someone who has the potential to grow and acquire those skills and able to deploy them during the course of the project. She or he has a demonstrable interest in optics and electromagnetic scattering, signal processing, and mathematics, as well as a wise use of machine learning methods. The candidate should hold an MSc degree in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or the equivalent. The PhD position is firmly embedded in a physics environment but involves strong interaction with partners in applied physics, applied mathematics, and high-tech industry. Good communication skills in English are a prerequisite.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

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.

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 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3204 - €4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. O. El Gawhary; e-mail: o.elgawhary@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 15 October 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents in English: 1) a letter of application with a clear motivation of why you would like to pursue a PhD program 2) a detailed CV, 3) your grades, 4) a summary of your MSc/PhD thesis and list of publications (if any).

If the applicants are selected for an interview, they will be asked to provide contact details of two referees with their consent. When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number 3752.

You can address your application to Dr. O. El Gawhary.

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.

Working at TU Delft

Join the oldest and largest technical university in the Netherlands. Work on clever solutions for worldwide challenges, to change the world and make an impact. Ready to bring your energy to our research? Challenge, change, impact!