PhD Systems and Control Methods for Next-generation Scanning Probe Microscopes TU DELFT

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PhD Systems and Control Methods for Next-generation Scanning Probe Microscopes
http://www.vacaturesindelft.nl/phd/vacature.php?Id=649&Cat=17

Delft University of Technology is a multifaceted institution offering educational and research opportunities within the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are all conducted with an emphasis on social applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment in which technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories and various research institutes.
Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, abbreviated as 3mE, delivers committed engineers and PhD students and carries out boundary-breaking scientific research in mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3mE is a perfect example of a dynamic and innovative faculty, with a European ambition, visibly contributing to society.

Delft Center for Systems and Control

The Delft Center for Systems and Control (DCSC) is a merger of three former systems and control groups from Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, and coordinates research activities and education in systems and control at Delft University of Technology. DCSC’s mission is to conduct research motivated by its practical usefulness in the areas of mechatronics, system optimisation, control engineering and signal processing. DCSC also participates in the Delft Center for Mechatronics and Microsystems, which offers unique opportunities for collaborative research with groups from various faculties and disciplines.

The Delft Center for Systems and Control has a PhD vacancy: ‘Systems and Control Methods for Next-generation Scanning Probe Microscopes’
Project and job description

This project focuses on the development of new control methods for advanced atomic force microscopes (AFM), for various applications in material science and life sciences. The AFM is a mechanical microscope and works like a down-scaled record player combined with a three-dimensional nano-actuator. In recent years better AFM control methods and mechatronics have demonstrated considerable improvements in imaging performance.

This PhD project deals with high-bandwidth nano-positioning applications such as video-rate AFM imaging or focuses on other aspects and open questions in scanning probe microscopy, depending on the successful candidate’s interests, motivation and abilities. The project will be well-balanced between theory and experimental work. The extensive lab-facilities available within DCSC and TU Delft allow development of these instruments in-house.

State-of-the-art real-time hardware enables rapid prototyping, implementation and testing of new control algorithms on the real system. The added functionality of the new and improved AFM setup may be tested in collaboration with the AFM industry, and on challenging applications in collaboration with research groups e.g. in bio-physics, nanotechnology or material science, at TU Delft as well as other research institutions.
Requirements

Candidates for this project should have a Master’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Systems and Control, Applied Physics or Aerospace Engineering, with a solid background in Mechatronics and/or Control. Delft University of Technology is a bilingual organisation; a good command of English (written and oral) is essential, while a good command of Dutch is also preferred.

Conditions of employment

The position is based on an employment contract of 4 years (48 months) and is for a maximum of 38 hours per week (1 FTE). The estimated monthly PhD starting salary is based on scale P, building up from € 1,956 to € 2,502 gross per month based on a full-time appointment. Secondary benefits and other employment conditions are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Assistance with accommodation can be arranged.

The successful candidate will be employed by Delft University of Technology for a period of 4 years within which time he/she is expected to write a dissertation leading to the title of PhD.

With regard to selection, internal candidates take precedence over external candidates. TU Delft strives to increase the number of women in higher academic positions; women are therefore especially encouraged to apply.
Information and application

For further details on the position you are welcome to contact Dr. Georg Schitter, phone: + 31 (0)15 – 27 86125, e-mail: g.schitter@tudelft.nl.

To apply, please send your CV, a summary of your MSc thesis and a list of publications (if any), a covering letter stating your motivation why you are interested in the proposed project, your course programme and grades, the contact details of two professional reference persons, and any other information you think may be relevant to your application, in English before the 3rd of August to: Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Personnel Department, attn. Ms. A. Timmermans, Mekelweg 2, NL-2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands; or apply online to Application-3mE@tudelft.nl.

There is no fixed deadline for this position, but an early start to this project is preferred. The position will remain open until filled.

When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number AT3mE07.14.

For more information about Delft University of Technology, please visit www.tudelft.nl