PhD-position: Nano-ElectroMechanical Systems (NEMS), TU Delft

Research
Nano electromechanical systems (NEMS) are a new class of smartsensor devices making use of electrically induced mechanical motionand vice versa on a nanometer scale. NEMS offers unprecedentedcapabilities, as sensitive detectors of force and mass down tothe single molecule level, as high frequency resonators up tothe GHz range for wireless applications, or as ultra-fast low-powerswitches. NEMS is in an early stage of development with majorscientific challenges in actuation, detection and material controlremaining. The underlying physics is not yet fully understood.

Job description
The project aims for development and in depth characterisationof NEMS devices. In this research field we are looking for anenthusiastic and motivated Ph.D student. The development phaseimplies design and realisation of sensor structures in a top-downapproach using cutting-edge nanotechnology techniques. Materialcontrol is a leading issue. In the characterisation part thoroughphysical analysis and understanding of the device behaviour isthe focus point. We will investigate mechanisms of displacementand eigenfrequencies with the aim to reveal the physical processes(e.g. damping, thermal effects, momentum noise) that limit thesensitivity of devices.

Location
The research activities will take place in the Faculty of AppliedSciences, in the sections Molecular Electronic Devices and Nanofacility.The available infrastructure is really excellent. It includesstate-of-the-art fabrication, measurement and inspection facilities,part of which is housed in a high quality cleanroom environment.A broad team of experienced specialists is around for supportin experimental and theoretical work. We consider an intellectuallydriven climate as the basis for ground-breaking research.

Requirements
M.Sc., or equivalent degree in Physics, Physical Chemistry, orMaterial Science. Strong affinity with experimental and technologicalresearch is essential. Accuracy, good oral and written communicationabilities in an internationally oriented environment.

Conditions of employment
When fulfilling a PhD position at the FOM foundation, you willget the status of junior scientist. You will have an employeestatus and can participate in all the employee benefits FOM offers.You will get a contract for 4 years. During the first year thegross salary is 1,668 Euro per month. This amount will increaseto 2,244 Euro during the fourth year. For your pension youwill participate in 'Stichting Pensioenfonds ABP'.
You are supposed to have a thesis finished at the end of yourfour year term with FOM. A training programme is part of the agreement.You and your supervisor will make up a plan for the additionaleducation and supervising that you specifically need. This planalso defines which teaching activities you will be responsible(up to a maximum of 10% of your time).
The standard amount of leave is 338 hours per year, whichshould be used every year ('withdrawal obligation') except for80 hours. FOM offers you a Customised Conditions of Employment(CCE) scheme which enables you to choose between specific employeebenefits and benefit from certain fiscal advantages. FOM alsooffers you good study facilities. The conditions of employmentof the FOM-foundation are laid down in the Collective Labour Agreementfor Research Centres (CAO-Onderzoekinstellingen), more exclusiveinformation is available at this website under Personeelsinfo (in Dutch) or under Personnel (in English). General information aboutworking at FOM can be found in the English part of this websiteunder Personnel.The 'FOM-sollicitatiecode' (in Dutch) applies to thisposition.

Information
Background information about this position can be found at www.ns.tudelft.nl.
For more specific information about this position please contactDr.ir. H. van der Zant,tel.: +31 (0)15 278 20 40 or Dr. E. van der Drift,tel.: +31 (0)15 278 60 09.

Applications
You can send your application to Dr.ir. H. van der Zant
TU Delft, Faculteit TNW
Afdeling NanoScience
Lorentzweg 1
2628 CJ Delft
Nederland

URL Link: PhD-position: Nano-ElectroMechanical Systems (NEMS), TU Delft