PhD in Brillouin Microscopy 0.9 / 1 Faculty of Science PhD MSc Closes on 31-10-2026 Publishing date 14-09-2026 We have an opening for a four-year PhD student position on a new type of Brillouin Micros

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31-10-2026

14-09-2026

31-10-2026

14-09-2026

We have an opening for a four-year PhD student position on a new type of Brillouin Microscopy platform.

Our group at VU Amsterdam develops advanced photonic technologies to explore fundamental light–matter interactions and create new tools for science and life sciences. We currently have an opening for a fully funded 4-year PhD position in Brillouin microscopy.

The project offers the opportunity to explore fundamental aspects of Brillouin scattering and photon–phonon interactions while developing exciting new experimental approaches for applications in life sciences and spectroscopy. We seek a highly motivated and curious PhD candidate with a strong background in physics and an internal drive to explore new ideas and build experiments.

The successful candidate will work at the intersection of fundamental photonics, nonlinear optics and advanced optical instrumentation, combining fundamental questions with hands-on experimental research and real-world applications.

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.

We offer guidance and help so you can develop the skills and experience to become an independent scientist. In addition, we offer an intellectually 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:

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

About the department, institute, project The AVCI group is part of the Biophotonics and Medical Imaging Section within the Physics department at the VU Amsterdam, one of the best universities in the Netherlands, and a leading scientific institution in biophysics located in the vibrant and international city of Amsterdam. Our team is an inclusive and diverse environment, welcoming excellent students from all backgrounds. We offer a stimulating and collaborative environment and the Phd students in our group have the opportunity to learn from the best scientists in the field, publish in top journals, and present their work at international conferences.

Faculty of Science Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.

From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.

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.

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.

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 send a cover letter (one page maximum), a curriculum vitae, a list of grades from your last higher education diploma, a publication list (if relevant) and the contact details of 3 references. All the documents must be written in English. The positions will remain open until filled.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Our group at VU Amsterdam develops advanced photonic technologies to explore fundamental light–matter interactions and create new tools for science and life sciences. We currently have an opening for a fully funded 4-year PhD position in Brillouin microscopy.

The project offers the opportunity to explore fundamental aspects of Brillouin scattering and photon–phonon interactions while developing exciting new experimental approaches for applications in life sciences and spectroscopy. We seek a highly motivated and curious PhD candidate with a strong background in physics and an internal drive to explore new ideas and build experiments.

The successful candidate will work at the intersection of fundamental photonics, nonlinear optics and advanced optical instrumentation, combining fundamental questions with hands-on experimental research and real-world applications.

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.

We offer guidance and help so you can develop the skills and experience to become an independent scientist. In addition, we offer an intellectually 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:

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

About the department, institute, project The AVCI group is part of the Biophotonics and Medical Imaging Section within the Physics department at the VU Amsterdam, one of the best universities in the Netherlands, and a leading scientific institution in biophysics located in the vibrant and international city of Amsterdam. Our team is an inclusive and diverse environment, welcoming excellent students from all backgrounds. We offer a stimulating and collaborative environment and the Phd students in our group have the opportunity to learn from the best scientists in the field, publish in top journals, and present their work at international conferences.

Faculty of Science Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.

From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.

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.

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.

Please contact

Universitair hoofddocent

Send an email

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 send a cover letter (one page maximum), a curriculum vitae, a list of grades from your last higher education diploma, a publication list (if relevant) and the contact details of 3 references. All the documents must be written in English. The positions will remain open until filled.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

Please contact

Universitair hoofddocent

Send an email

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