Magnetic microscopy with spins in diamond - from magnets to superconductors.
Job description
Research in the van der Sar lab:
Our lab uses magnetic microscopy based on spins in diamond to study how spins and charges move through materials at the micro-to-nano-scale. To do so, we build our own state of the art microscopes that we constantly innovate to access new regimes.
Job description:
The project is part of a collaboration between the van der Sar lab at TU Delft and the TNO research institute. The goal is on the one hand to study superconductors and magnets using NV magnetometry and on the other hand to push NV-imaging towards imaging high magnetic fields. We aim at doing research at the cutting edge of science and technology, motivated by both curiosity and the potential for applications. We have a great team of PhD students and postdocs that will become your colleagues, and are part of the renowned Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft
Job requirements
The project revolves around NV centers in diamond, single-spin control, magnetization dynamics, single-photon microscopy, microwave engineering, cleanroom fabrication, and electronic characterization. Experience in these fields is highly desirable, though not strictly required. Most importantly, you should be highly enthusiastic, skilled and motivated to develop state-of-the-art NV microscopy.
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.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.
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
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Prof.dr.ir. Toeno van der Sar, via t.vandersar@tudelft.nl.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 21 Septemeber 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents (without these documents your application will not be considered):
- Detailed CV.
- Motivational letter, including (1) a brief personal introduction, (2) an explanation of how your previous studies and experience have prepared you for this position, and (3) why you are interested in this position and our lab. The maximum length is one page.
- Copies of your BSc and MSc degrees and transcripts.
You can address your application to Prof.dr.ir. Toeno van der Sar.
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.
TECHNICAL & MARKET ANALYSIS | Appended by Quantum.Jobs
Advanced quantum sensing and nitrogen-vacancy magnetometry research represents a structural cornerstone in the characterization of condensed matter systems and next-generation solid-state architectures. As quantum technologies transition from fundamental physics exploration toward applied metrology, high-resolution magnetic imaging becomes essential for diagnosing nanoscale phenomena in superconductors and topological materials. Academic research roles targeting single-spin control and nanoscale microscopy address critical measurement bottlenecks that currently constrain material selection for quantum devices. By bridging the gap between fundamental spin dynamics and instrument development, these research functions establish the metrological protocols required for downstream technology scaling. Consequently, expanding expertise in quantum sensing directly supports public and private efforts to enhance the precision, sensitivity, and operational limits of solid-state quantum platforms.
The quantum sensing ecosystem occupies a distinct position within the broader deep-tech value chain, serving as both an analytical enabler for materials science and a direct precursor to scalable quantum hardware components. Unlike quantum computing, which faces significant fault-tolerance hurdles, quantum magnetometry operates at higher technology readiness levels, yielding immediate characterization utility for semiconductor manufacturing, spintronics, and high-temperature superconductivity. Sector-wide efforts continue to address talent and integration challenges in quantum systems, particularly regarding the fabrication of high-purity diamond substrates and the integration of microwave control circuits.
Macro dynamics in the European research landscape emphasize strong institutional coordination between university laboratories and applied research institutes. This collaborative network mitigates technology transfer risks by aligning academic discoveries with industrial metrology requirements. Public funding directives and national quantum strategies prioritize the creation of specialized experimental setups that can operate under extreme conditions, including high magnetic fields and cryogenic temperatures.
However, scaling these measurement techniques exposes systemic friction points across the supply chain. Equipment fragmentation, bespoke optical assemblies, and custom microwave control hardware hinder the standardization of quantum diamond microscopes. Bridging these operational gaps requires dedicated researchers capable of co-designing physical instruments, cleanroom nanofabrication protocols, and automated signal extraction pipelines.
The capability architecture for quantum magnetometry research integrates quantum optics, microwave engineering, and nanoscale device fabrication into a unified experimental framework. Mastery over nitrogen-vacancy spin manipulation requires precise control of radiofrequency and microwave fields, optimized optical excitation pathways, and low-noise photon counting instrumentation. These interface layers determine the signal-to-noise ratio, spatial resolution, and overall measurement throughput of the microscopy system. Advanced electronic characterization and signal processing pipelines are equally crucial for decoupling target magnetic signatures from environmental decoherence. Cross-functional coupling between nanofabrication and quantum control enables the production of robust sensor geometries tailored for specific material interfaces. Developing these integrated skills strengthens the operational reliability of advanced laboratories and establishes scalable benchmarks for quantum sensing applications. - Accelerates the translation of nitrogen-vacancy center research into standardized metrology platforms for advanced materials characterization
- Mitigates technical risks in superconductor diagnostic pipelines through high-resolution nanoscale magnetic field mapping
- Facilitates cross-sector knowledge transfer between academic research environments and applied industrial research institutes
- Strengthens European quantum sensing infrastructure by advancing high-field solid-state magnetometry capabilities
- Reduces instrumentation development cycles through the integrated co-design of optical, microwave, and nanofabrication sub-systems
- Optimizes measurement throughput for complex condensed matter systems, including topological insulators and two-dimensional magnets
- Enhances the reproducibility of nanoscale quantum sensing experiments via standardized spin-control protocols
- Supports national quantum technology strategies by expanding the specialized doctoral talent pipeline in quantum optics and metrology
- Expands the operational regimes of nitrogen-vacancy magnetometry into high magnetic field environments relevant for industrial applications
- Improves the precision of spin-density and charge-transport models across novel solid-state material architectures
- Drives the refinement of cleanroom fabrication techniques for integrated diamond spin-sensor platforms
- Elevates institutional capability metrics within the global nanoscience and quantum engineering ecosystemIndustry Tags: Quantum Sensing, NV Magnetometry, Solid-State Physics, Superconductivity, Nanoscale Microscopy, Quantum Optics, Spintronics, Diamond Physics, Metrology Instrumentation
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