The organization
Nikhef is the Dutch 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 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.
Find out more on: https://einsteintelescope.eu/
The position
Nikhef is looking for a candidate with at least a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering to work in the ET Engineering Department.
The ET Engineering Department is charged with the design, procurement, installation, commissioning, operation, maintaining and eventually dismantling of the infrastructure and technical systems for ET research infrastructure independently of the location of the infrastructure (Euregio Meuse-Rhine or Sardinia).
The selected candidate is an interdisciplinary engineer and will take an active role in the EU-wide ET organization. The focus of your work will be on the integration of the ET detector in the underground environment.
Your Profile
You have:
- At least a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or closely related field;
- Proficient verbal and written communication and presentation skills;
- Motivated to work in a multidisciplinary international research team.
Candidates that do not meet all requirements, but are close, are still encouraged to apply.
Offer
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 € 3294,00 and € 4993,00 (salary scales 8 – 9 for research institutes as of 1 January 2025) based on full-time employment and depending on your education and 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 Nikhef, Amsterdam. Traveling for meetings is part of the job.
How to apply?
While the deadline for application is set to Friday August 1, 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 Freek Sanders (fsanders@nikhef.nl)