Nanoscale Charge and Heat Transfer at Metal-Semiconductor Interfaces

Work Activities
The Hybrid Nanosystems group at NWO-Institute AMOLF is looking for a PhD candidate to unravel how the atomic-scale structure of metal-semiconductor interfaces governs charge and heat transfer, using cutting-edge correlative single-particle optical spectroscopy and in situ electron microscopy.
Metal-semiconductor interfaces are central to technologies ranging from computer chips to photocatalytic devices. These atomically thin interfaces are decisive for device performance, as they control how efficiently charge and heat are transported, yet the fundamental connections between atomic-scale interface structure and these transport properties remain poorly understood. This project investigates model metal-semiconductor nanosystems using single-particle optical spectroscopy correlated with transmission electron microscopy on the same individual nanoparticle, providing direct insight into how interface chemistry and structure govern charge transfer. Pioneering in situ TEM experiments with pulsed laser excitation will give access to heat transfer across the same class of interfaces under controlled conditions.
The project is a collaboration between AMOLF and ARCNL with ASML as an industry partner, with regular meetings across all partners to connect fundamental findings to broader technological challenges.
Qualifications
You have a MSc degree in physics, nanoscience, or a related field.
Work environment
You will perform this research in the Hybrid Nanosystems research group headed by Wiebke Albrecht at AMOLF. The Hybrid Nanosystems group uses light as a tool to probe, program, and reshape nanomaterials. By combining advanced electron microscopy, single-particle optical spectroscopy, and electromagnetic simulations, we uncover how the atomic-scale structure of nanoparticles governs their response to light, and how light can drive these structures to transform.
AMOLF is a national institute that is part of NWO-I. Its mission is to initiate and perform fundamental research on the physics of complex forms of matter, and to create new functional materials, in partnership with academia and industry. The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park and currently employs about 140 researchers and 80 support employees. www.amolf.nl
Working conditions

• The working atmosphere at the institute is largely determined by young, enthusiastic, mostly foreign employees. Communication is informal and runs through short lines of communication.
• The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of four years
• The starting salary is 3.115 Euro’s gross per month and a range of employment benefits.
• After successful completion of the PhD research a PhD degree will be granted at a Dutch University.
• Several courses are offered, specially developed for PhD-students.
• AMOLF assists any new foreign PhD-student with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

More information?
For further information about the position, please contact Wiebke Albrecht: [email protected].
Application
You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below.
Online screening may be part of the selection.
Diversity code
AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.
AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
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