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).
Find out more on https://www.nikhef.nl/.
The Einstein Telescope
The Einstein Telescope (ET) is a proposed underground facility for a third-generation gravitational-wave observatory. Building on the success of Advanced Virgo and Advanced LIGO, which detected merging black holes and neutron stars, ET will have a much higher sensitivity. This will be achieved with 10km interferometer arms (up from Virgo’s 3km), a depth of 150–300 meters underground, and new technologies like cryogenic cooling of optics around 15K, quantum techniques to reduce light fluctuations, and advanced noise-reduction systems. ET will enable exploration of the Universe’s gravitational waves back to the cosmological dark ages, offering insights into fundamental physics and cosmology.
The position
To realize ET, approximately 120 kilometres of ultra-high vacuum (UHV) tubing with an inner diameter of 1 meter is needed to allow laser beams to bounce undisturbed between the mirrors. Nikhef is part of a Dutch consortium, collaborating with the CERN Vacuum, Surfaces, and Coatings (VSC) group, to develop, produce, install and maintain this UHV system.
Nikhef is looking for a Mechanical Engineer (MSc level or equivalent) to join the VSC group at CERN for at least one year, starting September 1st, 2025. In this role, you will: :
- Contribute to system design, simulation, and testing of the UHV system
- Prepare the testing of the UHV system at CERN
- Act as a liaison between CERN and the Dutch consortium
The VSC group at CERN oversees all vacuum systems for CERN accelerators and is a leader in high- and ultra-high vacuum technology.
Your Profile
You have:
- A master’s degree in mechanical engineering or closely related field;
- Experience in simulation, design and development of ultra-high vacuum systems,
- Proficient verbal and written communication and presentation skills;
- Experience working in a multidisciplinary international research team would be beneficial.
Candidates that do not meet all requirements, but are close, are still encouraged to apply
Offer and location
Nikhef is a unique and inspiring place to work. The selected candidate will be employed by the NWO-I Foundation for a period of two years. The remuneration is between € 3.300,- and € 5.100,- based on full-time employment and depending on experience. Furthermore, NWO-I offers a fixed 13th month and more than 8 weeks of paid holiday leave per year. When seconded at CERN, you will receive additional cost for living abroad. The terms of employment of the NWO-I Foundation are excellent and can be found at: www.nwo-i.nl.
The work location will be for at least one year at CERN, Geneva. For the second year the work location will be at Nikhef, Amsterdam or CERN, Geneva depending on project needs. Traveling for meetings is part of the job.
How to apply?
While the deadline for application is set to Friday May 30th, 2025, the position can be filled earlier if a good candidate is found. Applications should include the following information (all files should be submitted in one single pdf file):
- a curriculum vitae
- a personal motivation letter (max. one A4)
Please apply by clicking the 'solliciteer' button below.
Any questions regarding this position can be directed to Marije Barel (marijeb@nikhef.nl)