Postdoc in Biomolecule Detection with Inverse-Designed Plasmonic Metasurfaces

Onderzoeksgebouw VU

Amsterdam

0.8 / 1

Faculty of Science

Research

Postdoc

Closes on

01-05-2026

Publishing date

24-03-2026

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In this postdoctoral project, you will develop inverse-designed plasmonic metasurfaces for biomolecular sensing, combining optimization algorithms with electromagnetic simulations.

Your function

Sensitive detection of biomolecular interactions is essential for applications ranging from medical diagnostics to environmental monitoring. In this postdoctoral project, you will develop inverse-designed plasmonic metasurfaces [1,2] for biomolecular sensing [3], combining optimization algorithms with electromagnetic simulations. 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 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]. Rather than relying on intuition-driven design rules, this project will systematically explore and benchmark different optimization strategies for metasurface design (e.g. Bayesian optimization, adjoint optimization). The goal is to identify optimization strategies that are particularly effective for designing plasmonic sensors with maximal sensitivity to biomolecular binding.

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 postdoctoral applicant, you will:

develop and benchmark different optimization strategies (e.g. Bayesian optimization, adjoint optimization) coupled to numerical electromagnetic simulations (e.g. FDTD)
model the sensing performance of plasmonic metasurfaces in response to molecular binding events, considering different sensing strategies including spectroscopic detection (tracking resonance wavelength shifts), monochromatic detection (monitoring intensity changes at a fixed wavelength), and imaging-based sensing using metasurface pixels optimized for different spectral responses
collaborate with the PhD student in the project, who will fabricate and experimentally test the optimized metasurfaces, and with researchers in the Kool group, who will functionalize the metasurfaces and benchmark their sensing performance against conventional SPR instruments
disseminate your research through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences.
supervise bachelor and master students

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

We are looking for a motivated PostDoc with strong expertise in photonics, simulations, or optimization, and a collaborative mindset.

you have a recent PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, or a closely related field
experience in one or more of the following areas is an advantage: nanophotonics or plasmonics, electromagnetic simulations (e.g. FDTD, COMSOL), numerical optimization or machine learning, scientific programming in Python or 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, recognising 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. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

a salary of minimum € 3.546,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.538,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience
your initial contract is for one year (0.8 FTE minimum). Upon positive evaluation, extension is possible

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

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 Postdoctoral Researcher 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.

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. The department hosts 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 a single PDF file:

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 contact details of at least two referees
your PhD thesis (or a draft if you are still completing it)

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.