Internship: Quantifying Surface Chemistry with Single-Particle Plasmonic Sensing

Role Overview:
Plasmonic nanoparticles are highly sensitive to their local environment. Small changes within a few nanometers of the particle surface can already lead to measurable shifts in their optical response, making them promising nanoscale sensors. In this project, you will use a single-particle dark-field scattering setup to measure the optical spectra of individual gold nanoparticles. By correlating these measurements with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the exact shape of the same particle can be determined, enabling accurate modeling of the optical response and therefore precise determination of the particle’s local environment. To test the sensitivity of this approach, you will systematically modify the surface chemistry of the nanoparticles by varying and exchanging surface molecules. By correlating controlled surface molecule densities with the measured spectral shifts, you will quantify how sensitively plasmonic nanoparticles probe their nanoscale environment.

Responsibilities:
- Use a single-particle dark-field scattering setup to measure the optical spectra of individual gold nanoparticles.
- Correlate measurements with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to determine the exact shape of the same particle.
- Systematically modify the surface chemistry of the nanoparticles by varying and exchanging surface molecules.
- Correlate controlled surface molecule densities with the measured spectral shifts to quantify how sensitively plasmonic nanoparticles probe their nanoscale environment.

Requirements:
- 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.
- You expect to be available for at least 5 months, although longer is preferable.

Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in a Master’s program in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field.
- Nationality of an EU-member state and/or student at a university in the Netherlands.
- The internship must be a mandatory part of the curriculum.
- Availability for at least 5 months, preferably longer.

What They Offer:
- Research internship in a leading research institute, AMOLF, located at Amsterdam Science Park.
- Opportunity to work in the Hybrid Nanosystems group, investigating interactions in complex hybrid nanostructures and developing new architectures.
- Special program for research internships in sustainable energy science, including a research project and tutorials on fundamental aspects of sustainability technology.
- Supportive and inclusive work environment, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Potential for professional development and networking within a research community.