Dr. Peter Zijlstra

Professor

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Biography

Peter Zijlstra is a Full Professor in the department of Applied Physics at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). He leads the Molecular Plasmonics research cluster within the Molecular Biosensing group. His research focuses on developing approaches for single-molecule sensing to study individual biomolecules in complex environments and on diverse timescales. His specific interests include single-molecule detection utilizing plasmonic, nanophotonic, and fluorescent methods. Zijlstra's research group integrates concepts from nanophotonics, super-resolution microscopy, and electromagnetic modeling to create innovative sensing concepts for studying biomolecular interactions. He obtained his Master's degree in Applied Physics from the University of Twente in 2005 and a Ph.D. from Swinburne University of Technology in 2009, where he researched the photothermal properties of single plasmonic nanoparticles for optical data storage applications. After a postdoctoral fellowship in the lab of Prof. Michel Orrit at Leiden University, he joined TU/e and has since been a core member of the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, collaborating with various disciplines such as chemistry, physics, biomedical engineering, and mathematics on multidisciplinary research topics.

Research Interests

Requirements for Eindhoven University of Technology

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.4
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:21
Reading
Required:21
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:90
PTE
Listening
Required:65
Reading
Required:65
Writing
Required:65
Speaking
Required:65
Overall
Required:70
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering or science discipline Specific subject knowledge related to the chosen program (e.g., Calculus, Linear Algebra) Maximum 15 ECTS deficiency for international applicants
Application Checklist
  • Certified copy of Bachelor's degree and transcript
  • Authenticated English/Dutch translation of documents
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Motivation Letter
  • Two letters of reference
  • Summary of Bachelor thesis/dissertation
  • Concise course descriptions of relevant subjects
  • Copy of passport
  • Proof of payment of application fee (EUR 100)
Specialization Notes

Specific departments like Industrial Design require a portfolio. Programs like Data Science and AI require a GRE-General test for certain international backgrounds.