PhD in Biomolecule Detection with Inverse-Designed Plasmonic Metasurfaces

Nieuwe Universiteitsgebouw (NU)

Amsterdam

0.8 / 1

Faculty of Science

PhD

MSc

Closes on

01-05-2026

Publishing date

25-03-2026

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In this PhD project, you will develop inverse-designed plasmonic metasurfaces for biomolecular sensing, combining nanophotonics, nanofabrication, and optical characterization.

Your function

Sensitive detection of biomolecular interactions is essential for applications ranging from medical diagnostics to environmental monitoring. In this PhD project, you will develop inverse-designed plasmonic metasurfaces [1,2] for biomolecular sensing [3], combining nanophotonics, nanofabrication, and optical characterization. The goal is to create compact optical sensors capable of detecting molecular binding events with high sensitivity using simple optical components such as LEDs, photodiodes, or cameras.

This PhD project is part of the BIND project (Biomolecule Detection with INverse-Designed Plasmonic Metasurfaces) and aims to develop compact and low-cost alternatives to conventional surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors. The project will exploit plasmonic metasurfaces, periodic arrays of metallic nanoparticles whose optical resonances are highly sensitive to changes in the local refractive index induced by molecular binding. A key novelty of the project is the use of inverse design algorithms to optimize the geometry of nanoparticle arrays for maximal sensing performance [4] guiding their cleanroom fabrication.

The project is a collaboration between the group of dr. Andrea Baldi (Physics and Astronomy, VU Amsterdam) and the group of dr. Jeroen Kool (Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU Amsterdam), combining expertise in nanophotonics, nanofabrication, and biochemical sensing.

As a successful PhD applicant, you will:

apply inverse design algorithms to optimize plasmonic metasurfaces for biomolecular sensing by coupling optimization algorithms to numerical electromagnetic simulations (e.g., FDTD)
fabricate the optimized periodic arrays of gold nanoparticles using electron-beam lithography in the AMOLF NanoLab Amsterdam cleanroom
characterize the optical properties of the metasurfaces and build compact optical sensing setups based on spectroscopy, monochromatic detection, or imaging
study how molecular binding events modify the optical response of the metasurfaces and evaluate their performance as biosensors
collaborate with the postdoctoral researcher in the project, who will develop the inverse-design optimization framework, and with researchers in the Kool group, who will functionalize the metasurfaces with antibody–antigen systems and benchmark their performance against conventional SPR instruments
disseminate your research through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences
supervise bachelor and master students and contribute as a teaching assistant to courses in the department (~15% of the PhD trajectory)

References
[1] Nugroho, F. A. A.; Bai, P.; Darmadi, I.; Castellanos, G. W.; Fritzsche, J.; Langhammer, C.; Gómez Rivas, J.; Baldi, A. Inverse Designed Plasmonic Metasurface with Parts-per-Billion Optical Hydrogen Detection. Nature Communications 2022, 13, 573
[2] Kravets, V. G.; Kabashin, A. V.; Barnes, W. L.; Grigorenko, A. N. Plasmonic Surface Lattice Resonances: A Review of Properties and Applications. Chemical Reviews 2018, 118, 5912–5951
[3] Di Santo, R.; Verdelli, F.; Niccolini, B.; Varca, S.; Gaudio, A. D.; Di Giacinto, F.; De Spirito, M.; Pea, M.; Giovine, E.; Notargiacomo, A.; Ortolani, M.; Di Gaspare, A.; Baldi, A.; Pizzolante, F.; Ciasca, G. Exploring Novel Circulating Biomarkers for Liver Cancer through Extracellular Vesicle Characterization with Infrared Spectroscopy and Plasmonics. Analytica Chimica Acta 2024, 1319, 342959
[4] Li, Z.; Prasad, C. S.; Wang, X.; Zhang, D.; Lach, R.; Naik, G. V. Balancing Detectivity and Sensitivity of Plasmonic Sensors with Surface Lattice Resonance. Nanophotonics 2023, 12, 3721–3727

Your profile

you have a recent master’s degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, or a closely related field
experience in the following areas can be an advantage: nanophotonics or plasmonics, electromagnetic simulations (e.g. FDTD, COMSOL), nanofabrication or cleanroom techniques, optical spectroscopy or microscopy, programming (e.g., Python, Matlab)
excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are essential
curiosity, creativity, and kindness are also highly valued in our group

We strive for equal opportunities for all and recognize that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and community service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset. We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. In return for your efforts, we offer:

a starting salary of €3.059,00 (PhD) and up to a maximum of €3.881,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements, such as:

a full time (38 hour) work week includes 232 hours of annual leave. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata
8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
contribution to commuting expenses
optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

About us

About the PhotoConversion Materials (PCM) section
The successful applicant will be appointed as a PhD student in the group of dr. Andrea Baldi, which is part of the PhotoConversion Materials (PCM) section in the department of Physics and Astronomy at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. The PCM section is a highly interdisciplinary team, working at the interface of physics, chemistry, and materials science to understand fundamental mechanisms of light-matter interaction for light-energy conversion and optical sensing. We host in-house simulation, fabrication, and spectroscopic characterization tools, with great technical research support. Additionally, we have regular access to the nanofabrication and nanocharacterization tools at the AMOLF Nanolab. By joining our PCM section, you will become part of a diverse group of people, with different scientific backgrounds, nationalities, and expertise. Our aim is to create an inclusive environment that cherishes our diverse backgrounds, leading to groundbreaking science. By the end of your PhD, you will have become an independent scientist, capable of working effectively in a team, and with excellent communication skills. We take great pride in the growth and development of our people: previous PhD candidates in our group have won several awards for their scientific achievements and for their communication skills and have immediately secured several jobs offers after graduation.

About the Department of Physics and Astronomy
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at VU Amsterdam offers an active and engaged intellectual community composed of researchers from around the world. Research is focused on four themes: (i) high-energy and gravitational physics, (ii) quantum metrology and laser applications, (iii) physics of life and health, and (iv) physics of photosynthesis and energy. The department is involved in teaching in the programs Physics and Astronomy (joint degree with the University of Amsterdam), Science Business and Innovation, Medical Natural Sciences (all three BSc and MSc), and the BSc program in Mechanical Engineering (together with the University of Twente). Furthermore, the department has a strong track record in the valorization of its research, including translational research to the clinic (often together with the Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc (on campus), and location AMC), collaborations with industry (e.g. ARCNL), and a thriving startup scene. Your PhD trajectory will be supported by a dedicated PhD candidate advisor and embedded in a vibrant community of >50 PhD candidates. The department hosts a newly established and highly active PhD Council, as well as a dedicated DEI Council, contributing to an inclusive, supportive, and engaging research environment.

About the Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature. We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future. Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

About the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct. We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Interested

Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button and upload the following documents in PDF format:

a cover letter of maximum one A4 page, describing your motivation for applying and highlighting the parts of your CV most relevant to the position
a full CV, including academic transcripts and contact details of at least two referees
a written report such as your Master’s thesis, Bachelor’s thesis, or project report, preferably (but not necessarily) in English

The submission deadline is May 1st, 2026, after which an initial selection of candidates will be made to be invited for an interview.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.