The organization
Nikhef is the national institute for subatomic physics in the Netherlands. At Nikhef, approximately 250 physicists and 80 technical staff work together in an open and international scientific environment. Together they perform theoretical and experimental research in the fields of particle and astroparticle physics. Nikhef is a partnership between six major Dutch universities and NWO-I Foundation, the Institutes Organization of the Dutch Research Council (NWO).
Nikhef participates in a wide range of research collaborations, including the ALICE, ATLAS and LHCb experiments at CERN, the KM3NeT neutrino telescope in the Mediterranean, the Virgo gravitational waves interferometer in Pisa, the Xenon-nT dark matter experiment in Gran Sasso, the Pierre Auger cosmic ray observatory in Argentina, and the eEDM research programme in Groningen. Nikhef furthermore has scientific groups on theoretical particle physics, physics data processing, and detector R&D, and has excellently equipped technical departments in mechanics, electronics, and computing.
The group
The Nikhef Theory group in Amsterdam consist of 7 staff members, 5-10 postdocs and 5-10 PhD students. The group has a strong expertise in effective field theories, higher-order calculations in quantum chromodynamics, event generators, machine learning in particle physics, proton structure determinations, high-energy neutrino scattering, flavour physics, beyond the standard model physics, and cosmology, among other topics. The group also has strong connections with other national and international groups in theoretical high energy physics, as well as frequent interactions with the experimental groups at Nikhef.
The position
The PhD position will be embedded in the group of Prof. Dr. Marieke Postma at Nikhef. The research is at the interface of particle physics and cosmology with a special focus on (electroweak) baryogenesis scenarios that can explain the observed matter-antimatter asymmetry of the universe. A main goal of the project is to improve the theoretical predictions for the baryon asymmetry, which involves developing the quantum field theory formalism and solving the dynamical equations that govern the process.
Offer
The candidate will be employed by the NWO-I foundation for a period of 4 years and will obtain the status of PhD candidate. He/She will be embedded in the Nikhef theory group, and the PhD degree is granted by the Radboud University in Nijmegen. The salary is competitive, and the conditions of employment (https://www.nwo-i.nl/en/employees/) are excellent.
Requirements
A strong background in quantum field theory and cosmology is required. Applicants should have a MSc degree in theoretical particle physics (or a closely related topic) by the time they start their appointment at Nikhef or shortly thereafter.
Further information and application
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply by clicking the 'apply now' button below. Please be prepared to upload a curriculum vitae and a motivation letter, and have the email addresses of at least two referents ready, who are willing to send a letter of recommendation on your behalf. The deadline for applications is Friday May 16, 2025. The intended starting date is October 2025. For further information, feel free to contact Marieke Postma (postma.marieke@gmail.com).
Nikhef is committed to being an inclusive and diverse organisation. Applications from women and people belonging to minority and underrepresented groups are especially welcomed.
Contact: Marieke Postma (postma.marieke@gmail.com).