PhD Position in Physics (VU University of Amsterdam)

Contract Type: Full-time Duration: 4 Years (Initial appointment of 1 year, extendable upon satisfactory evaluation) Deadline: 31 October 2025 (Early interviews possible) Your Function You will join an ambitious research project at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), carried out in close collaboration with ARCNL. Our research focuses on computational imaging for biomedical applications. By combining advanced numerical methods with customized optical imaging systems, we aim to enhance resolution, boost imaging speed, reduce costs, and introduce innovative contrast mechanisms. This project aims to push the boundaries of optical coherence tomography (OCT) by breaking current acquisition speed records by an order of magnitude. To achieve this, we will employ full-field swept-source OCT, combined with sparse sampling and compressive sensing. As a PhD candidate, you will play a key role in the experimental realization, characterization, and application of this cutting-edge imaging approach. You will also collaborate closely with another PhD student at ARCNL, working on complementary aspects of the project. Your Responsibilities Building an experimental setup for full-field Fourier-domain OCT that enables high-speed data acquisition Characterizing diffusers, which are an essential part of this OCT setup Devising and implementing software and algorithms for image reconstruction Developing acquisition software to optimize data collection Reconstructing data and evaluating its accuracy and reliability Supervising exercise classes and Bachelor's and Master's students As part of this position, you will have the opportunity to showcase your findings at national and international conferences and in publications in relevant journals. Moreover, you will enjoy the freedom to explore and pursue your own ideas and directions within the project's framework. The ultimate goal is for the successful candidate to produce a dissertation leading to a PhD degree after 4 years. Your Profile We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who thrives in an interdisciplinary environment and is eager to push the boundaries of imaging technology. You are an independent thinker with a passion for innovation and problem-solving. You ideally have: A Master's degree (or equivalent) in physics, engineering, or a related field, preferably with a background in optics and imaging Proficiency in numerics and programming (Python, C/C++, Matlab), with a strong willingness to further develop these skills An enthusiastic interest in medicine and physiology, and curiosity to explore the applications of optics in these domains Effective communication skills in English, both spoken and written A passion for creative experimental work and a willingness to experiment with novel concepts and ideas As a university, 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 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 €2.901,00 (PhD) and maximum €3.707,00 (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 Additional benefits include: A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. 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 Discounts on collective insurances (healthcare and car insurance) Optional model for designing a personalized benefits package About Us 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 (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. 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. 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. 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. Diversity Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding. We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services. Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community. Interested? Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application. Please upload the following content: A cover letter (max. 1 page) Your curriculum vitae Recent grades If possible, a sample of a written report in English Deadline for the application: 31 October 2025 We reserve the right to talk to candidates and fill the position before the deadline. We look forward to receiving your application and to welcoming you to our dynamic research environment at VU Amsterdam. Applications received by e-mail will not be considered. Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated. Questions about the vacancy? Please contact: Dr. Dierck Hillmann Associate Professor Send an email If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

Contract Type: Full-time
Duration: 4 Years (Initial appointment of 1 year, extendable upon satisfactory evaluation)
Deadline: 31 October 2025 (Early interviews possible)

Your Function

You will join an ambitious research project at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), carried out in close collaboration with ARCNL. Our research focuses on computational imaging for biomedical applications. By combining advanced numerical methods with customized optical imaging systems, we aim to enhance resolution, boost imaging speed, reduce costs, and introduce innovative contrast mechanisms.

This project aims to push the boundaries of optical coherence tomography (OCT) by breaking current acquisition speed records by an order of magnitude. To achieve this, we will employ full-field swept-source OCT, combined with sparse sampling and compressive sensing.

As a PhD candidate, you will play a key role in the experimental realization, characterization, and application of this cutting-edge imaging approach. You will also collaborate closely with another PhD student at ARCNL, working on complementary aspects of the project.

Your Responsibilities

Building an experimental setup for full-field Fourier-domain OCT that enables high-speed data acquisition
Characterizing diffusers, which are an essential part of this OCT setup
Devising and implementing software and algorithms for image reconstruction
Developing acquisition software to optimize data collection
Reconstructing data and evaluating its accuracy and reliability
Supervising exercise classes and Bachelor's and Master's students

As part of this position, you will have the opportunity to showcase your findings at national and international conferences and in publications in relevant journals. Moreover, you will enjoy the freedom to explore and pursue your own ideas and directions within the project's framework. The ultimate goal is for the successful candidate to produce a dissertation leading to a PhD degree after 4 years.

Your Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who thrives in an interdisciplinary environment and is eager to push the boundaries of imaging technology. You are an independent thinker with a passion for innovation and problem-solving.

You ideally have:

A Master's degree (or equivalent) in physics, engineering, or a related field, preferably with a background in optics and imaging
Proficiency in numerics and programming (Python, C/C++, Matlab), with a strong willingness to further develop these skills
An enthusiastic interest in medicine and physiology, and curiosity to explore the applications of optics in these domains
Effective communication skills in English, both spoken and written
A passion for creative experimental work and a willingness to experiment with novel concepts and ideas

As a university, 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 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 €2.901,00 (PhD) and maximum €3.707,00 (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

Additional benefits include:

A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. 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
Discounts on collective insurances (healthcare and car insurance)
Optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

About Us

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
(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.

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.

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.

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.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Interested?

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

Please upload the following content:

A cover letter (max. 1 page)
Your curriculum vitae
Recent grades
If possible, a sample of a written report in English

Deadline for the application: 31 October 2025
We reserve the right to talk to candidates and fill the position before the deadline. We look forward to receiving your application and to welcoming you to our dynamic research environment at VU Amsterdam.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Questions about the vacancy?
Please contact:
Dr. Dierck Hillmann
Associate Professor
Send an email

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Academicoxy

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