PhD Broadband Spatial Filter using Photonic Crystal Structures in Spaceborne Optical Instruments
Job description
Spatial filtering is essential in space-borne optical instruments to ensure that only well defined, high quality wavefronts contribute to image formation or signal detection. Light collected in space systems often contains unwanted spatial frequencies arising from diffraction, scattering, misalignment, and surface imperfections. Optical beams that exhibit irregular spatial variations of the field amplitude and phase limit the interferometric sensing capability of instruments. Particularly the spatial phase variations make these beams unsuitable for applications involving optical interferometry. Low-pass spatial filtering is an effective technique to suppress high spatial-frequency components of such beams, thereby making their focal-plane profiles smooth and well confined, also reducing their divergence. For space applications such as exoplanetary research and earth observation involving precision optical instruments, therefore, the spatial profile of the beam is needed to be improved.
In this project, you will design, simulate and, manufacture a 2-D photonic structure, based on multi-layer structured coatings as a spatial filter. The optical design seeks to achieve significant improvements in beam quality, addressing the inherent limitations of traditional spatial filtering systems in terms of bulkiness, sensitivity to alignment, and limited performance without compromising optical efficiency. The successful applicant will work at the intersection of advanced electromagnetic simulation, fabrication, and experimental characterization, contributing to cutting-edge developments in collaboration with specialists in lithography and surface patterning of the Kavli Nanalob and the Else Kooi Lab of TU Delft. The candidate will be part of the Spaceborne Instrumentation section of the Aerospace engineering faculty where they will benefit from the multidisciplinary environment of the faculty.
Job requirements
A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Photonics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
Proficiency with simulations in finite-difference time domain (FDTD) and COMSOL Multiphysics.
Developing numerical models to analyze light-matter interactions in complex photonic structures.
Basic hands-on experience in an optical laboratory.
Excellent analytical skills, initiative, curiosity, and critical thinking.
Strong communication skills (high English proficiency), team player, and good social behavior.
Preferred/Advantageous Skills:
Strong background in photonic crystal or metasurface structures.
Programming/scripting skills (Python, MATLAB).
Experience with nanofabrication or cleanroom processes (optional, not required).
The following will make you stand out:
Excellent analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Self-driven attitude and autonomy.
TU Delft
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.
At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty Aerospace Engineering
The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is a leading international community where innovation in aerospace meets global challenges. Our support and scientific staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, largely work together on three main themes: the energy transition, sustainable aerospace, and safety and security, with the aim of tackling climate change and contributing to the independence and security of Europe.
When you join us, you become part of a diverse, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and perspectives are valued. Our work extends beyond the lab—into field labs, innovation hubs, and partnerships with other faculties, research institutes, governments, and industry, both locally and globally.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace, assisted by an active Diversity & Inclusion team. This includes tangible support such as funding for extra personnel for family and caregiving responsibilities, mentoring programmes, and initiatives that promote cultural exchange and integration.
You don’t just join our faculty — you join a community where you can thrive, grow, and help shape the future of aerospace.
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 €3059 - €3881 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 dr. Imran Khan, via i.khan-1@tudelft.nl or .
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 25 Feb 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
CV
Motivational letter explaining your motivation as why you are the right person for the job
Transcripts of records
Two letters of recommendation
You can address your application to dr. Imran Khan.
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.
Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.
Please do not contact us for unsolicited services
