Sign In
Sign Up

PhD Scholarship: High-Q metasurfaces for optical sensing applications

  • //applyindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/belgium.png Belgium
  • University/Institute Name KU Leuven
  • Attendance Type On Campus (Full Time)
  • Position Funding Type PhD Scholarship
  • Application deadlineSeptember 19, 2025
Apply
Get Letter of Motivation (LOM)

Position Details (PhD Research Project)

Quantum Solid-state Physics (QSP) is a research unit of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, one of the five departments of the Faculty of Science of the KU Leuven. QSP is specialised in experimental research of solid-state systems and focuses in particular on quantum phenomena at the atomic and microscopic scale, i.e. on the origin and tunability of functional electronic properties (magnetic, superconducting, optic, semiconducting, and dielectric), in systems with reduced dimensionality, from single-atom defects, to nanoscale clusters, 2-dimensional materials, thin films, and 3-dimensional heterostructures. QSP’s research is fundamental in nature. When relevant, applications in functional systems and devices are also explored. Optics is a well-defined research theme at QSP, with a special focus on light-matter interactions in engineered 2-dimensional materials, such as metasurfaces.
Website unit

Project

QSP is seeking to recruit a PhD candidate to strengthen the research on the fabrication and optical characterisation of metasurfaces with high quality factors (high-Q), with a focus on sensing applications. The candidate will engage in academic research and is expected to obtain a doctoral degree within 4 years. 
The project encompasses both experimental and theoretical aspects of the design, simulation, and fabrication of dielectric and plasmonic metasurfaces, as well as their related optical characterization for sensing applications. Metasurfaces are one of the hottest and most rapidly developing topics in the field of optics and photonics, and their application in sensing is a particularly vibrant area of research and development. They represent a significant paradigm shift from traditional optical components, offering unprecedented control over light-matter interactions at the nanoscale, which can be used for sensing applications.
The majority of the project will focus on the experimental fabrication and characterization of these metasurfaces using state-of-the-art facilities available in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at KU Leuven, as well as the shared clean room facility at the Leuven Nanocenter. The doctoral student should write beam time proposals to utilize the FELIX (Free Electron Lasers for Infrared eXperiments) facility in Nijmegen as an international user facility for conducting time-resolved experiments. The candidate should also be willing to write a research proposal related to the project topic and participate actively in national and international conferences to present the project’s outcomes. Doctoral students are also expected to assist in supervising master’s theses, bachelor’s projects, or undergraduate internships within the domain of their research and expertise.

Profile

You are a motivated researcher with a background in physics, materials science, chemistry, nanotechnology, or related domains.

You are is expected to have knowledge of optics, in particular light-matter interactions and photonics. Previous experience with nanofabrication and optical characterisation of solid-state samples is advantageous. Also, hands-on experience in computational electromagnetics and machine learning is a plus.
You will have a strong interest in academic research and can demonstrate excellent results in prior studies, as well as being fluent in both spoken and written English. Networking skills, creativity, persistence, and passion for what you do are highly valued.
You are a team player who actively shares their experience and knowledge with colleagues.
You are prepared to contribute to teaching and research-related administrative duties within your research unit and department.

Offer

We offer a stimulating work environment in a dynamic team of scientists at KU Leuven, an innovative and highly ranked university, recognised for its strong research profile and overall academic quality.

You will receive a 1-year bursary contract which is renewable annually for up four years. Your tax-free bursary will be equivalent to the net salary of a research assistant. In addition you will be entitled to a holiday bonus, end-of-year bonus and a generous non-monetary benefits package.

You will work in Leuven; a historic, dynamic, and multicultural city located in the heart of Europe, within 20 minutes of Brussels.

The scholarship is available immediately and we are looking for a suitable candidate to start as soon as possible.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Ewald Janssens, tel.: +32 16 32 72 07, mail: [email protected] or Dr. Amirmostafa Amirjani, tel.: +32 16 32 50 83, mail: [email protected].

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Research Areas & Fields of Study involved in the position

Position Start Date

Check Position Description