Measuring Strain of Laser-Excited Gold Plasmonic Nanoparticles with 4D-STEM

Job Description

The Hybrid Nanosystems group at AMOLF (Amsterdam Science Park) invites motivated Master’s students in physics, nanoscience, materials science, or chemistry for a 6-month internship. The project will explore lattice strain in gold plasmonic nanoparticles excited by ultrafast laser pulses, using the institute’s state-of-the-art 4D-STEM transmission electron microscope.

Job Details

About the Project

Defects in metallic plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) can dramatically influence their catalytic activity by introducing lattice strain. When excited by ultrafast laser pulses, such defects can reshape the structural and electronic properties of nanoparticles, leading to new insights into plasmon-driven chemistry.

At AMOLF’s Hybrid Nanosystems group, this internship project will focus on measuring lattice strain in gold nanoparticles under pulsed laser excitation using 4D scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM). AMOLF’s recently acquired in situ TEM system enables strain mapping under picosecond laser excitation, offering a world-class platform for nanophotonics and catalysis studies.

The goal is two-fold:

1. Acquire 4D-STEM datasets under laser excitation.

2. Develop an advanced data analysis pipeline to process and interpret these large datasets.

Your Role & Responsibilities

• Conduct nanostructural strain measurements of gold plasmonic nanoparticles using 4D-STEM.

• Operate AMOLF’s state-of-the-art TEM with in situ ultrafast laser excitation.

• Develop and optimize computational pipelines for handling large-scale 4D datasets.

• Collaborate with the Hybrid Nanosystems research team, integrating electron microscopy with spectroscopy and nanophotonics.

• Present findings in group meetings and contribute to publications.

Candidate Profile

This internship is ideal if you are:

• Currently enrolled in a Master’s program in physics, chemistry, materials science, nanoscience, or sustainable energy.

• An EU national or currently studying at a Dutch university.

• Motivated to gain hands-on experience in nanofabrication, electron microscopy, and ultrafast laser–matter interactions.

• Available for at least 6 months (longer is preferred).

• Interested in contributing to cutting-edge research in plasmonics and nanocatalysis.

Research Environment at AMOLF

AMOLF, part of the Dutch research organization NWO, conducts fundamental nanoscience research with applications in energy, sustainability, and advanced materials.

• Location: Amsterdam Science Park – one of Europe’s largest science clusters.

• Staff: ~140 researchers and 80 technical/administrative employees.

• Group: Hybrid Nanosystems group focuses on interactions in metal-semiconductor hybrid nanostructures, combining advanced electron microscopy with single-particle spectroscopy.

👉 More about the group: Hybrid Nanosystems – AMOLF

Benefits

• Work in a world-class research environment with advanced microscopy facilities.

• Hands-on training in 4D-STEM, TEM, and ultrafast laser experiments.

• Strong mentorship from Dr. Tom Veeken and Dr. Wiebke Albrecht.

• Stimulating and diverse workplace — AMOLF is a winner of the NNV Diversity Award 2022.

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted online before 30 March 2026. Required documents include:

• CV (with academic background).

• Proof of Master’s enrollment (physics, nanoscience, chemistry, or related).

• Short statement of motivation (optional).

👉 Apply here: AMOLF Application Portal.

Contact for queries:

• Dr. Tom Veeken – [email protected]

• Dr. Wiebke Albrecht – [email protected]

Reference Links

• Official Vacancy – AMOLF

• Hybrid Nanosystems Group – AMOLF

 Disclaimer

This blog summarizes the official AMOLF internship vacancy. Candidates must refer to the official AMOLF portal for complete and updated details before applying.