Key Skills

Job Description

Master thesis project: Autonomous synthesis and characterization of thin films Work Activities Automated thin-film fabrication, particularly spin coating systems integrated with robotic handling and high throughput characterization now enable the synthesis of hundreds of samples per day, exceeding 500 samples in HELIOS setup built at AMOLF. Producing so many samples requires preparing many precursor solutions with different compositions, which can become a major bottleneck in automated workflows. In this project, we investigate the feasibility of dynamically mixing precursor solutions during the spin-coating process rather than preparing each composition beforehand. You will be operating the autonomous materials synthesis platform, applying machine learning methods for optimization, and integrating concepts from fluid dynamics and robotics to enable accelerated materials discovery. Qualifications You are currently enrolled in a Master’s program in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field. You have a nationality of an EU-member state and/or you are a student at a university in the Netherlands. The internship has to be a mandatory part of your curriculum. We expect you to be available for at least 5 months, although longer is preferable. Work environment AMOLF is a part of NWO-I and initiate and performs leading fundamental research on the physics of complex forms of matter, and to create new functional materials, in partnership with academia and industry. The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park and currently employs about 140 researchers and 80 support employees. www.amolf.nl The Nanoscale Solar Cells (https://amolf.nl/research-groups/nanoscale-solar-cells) group synthesizes advanced metal and semiconducting nanostructures, characterizes their material properties and integrates them into novel device structures with the aim of improving our fundamental understanding of light absorption, charge separation, recombination and transport at the nanometer scale. We have 2 main focus areas: improving halide perovskite solar cells and using light to drive and monitor chemical reactions. Working conditions At the start of the traineeship your trainee plan will be set out, in consultation with your AMOLF supervisor. AMOLF Energy Research Academy (https://www.lmpv.nl/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-2027-AMOLF-Energy-Research-Academy-program.pdf): AMOLF offers a special program for research internships in sustainable energy science. It is composed of a research project in one of AMOLF’s research groups, combined with a series of dedicated tutorials on fundamental aspects of the science behind sustainability technology. Admission to this Academy is only possible in combination with a research internship project at AMOLF. More information? For further information about the position, please contact prof. dr. Erik Garnett (https://amolf.nl/people/erik-garnett) or dr. Tom Veeken (https://amolf.nl/people/tom-veeken) Application You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below. Please annex your: Motivation letter; Resume; List of followed courses plus grades. Online screening may be part of the selection. Diversity code AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability. AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Commercial activities in response to this ad are not appreciated.

Core Responsibilities

Operate an autonomous materials synthesis platform to investigate dynamically mixing precursor solutions during spin coating, rather than preparing each composition in advance. Apply machine learning optimization and integrate fluid dynamics and robotics concepts to accelerate thin-film synthesis and materials discovery.

Requirements

Applicants must be enrolled in a master's program in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field, and the internship must be a mandatory part of their curriculum. Applicants must have EU-member-state nationality and/or study at a university in the Netherlands, and be available for at least five months, with a longer placement preferred.