The organization
Nikhef is the national institute for subatomic physics in the Netherlands. At Nikhef, approximately 220 physicists and 75 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).
Among the research collaborations Nikhef participates in are 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. There are also scientific groups on Theory, Physics Data Processing and Detector R&D. Nikhef avails over excellently equipped technical departments in mechanics, electronics and computing.
The position
The Einstein Telescope (ET) aims to employ cryogenic cooling of its test masses to lower coating and suspension thermals noise such that the detection band lower limit can be stretched to about 3 Hz. You will develop techniques to reduce low frequency vibrations at cryogenic temperatures. The project brings together parties already working on the ET together with other parties that work on research relevant for ET, e.g. vibration isolation and inertial sensing in quantum microscopy, which is performed in extremely cold cryostats. Several knowlegde institutes, i.e. Nikhef, Leiden University and the Dutch space research institute SRON have partnered with several industrial partners to perform cryogenic vibration isolation and quantum sensing research.
The gravitational-wave research group at the at Nikhef invites applications for a two-year postdoc position within the Dutch National Growth Fund Einstein Telescope project on Cryogenic Vibration Isolation for Einstein Telescope, Quantum Science, and Industry.
What are you going to do?
Depending on your interests, the position can focus on a number of topics. Possible topics include:
- Research in (cryogenic) vibration isolation instrumentation
- Simulation and design of superconducting coils
- Active vibration isolation for cryogenic cooling lines
As this is a project is a collaboration between Leiden University and several industrial partners, you will:
- Communicate and collaborate with our (industrial) partners
- Help with the supervision of a PhD student stationed at Leiden University
You will work at the National institute for subatomic physics Nikhef (www.nikhef.nl), an open, diverse organisation with an international focus and a strong technical slant. About 220 physicists and 80 engineers and technicians daily shape the Dutch participation in international experiments in particle physics, e.g. at CERN, and astroparticle physics, such as cosmic rays and gravitational waves. This makes Nikhef a vibrant astro-particle physics research community. Nikhef has advanced workshops (mechanics and electronics) and several clean rooms.
Nikhef is a collaboration between the Dutch Research Council (NWO), University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Radboud University, University of Groningen, Maastricht University and Utrecht University. The Amsterdam gravitational-wave group has broad expertise including in (active) seismic attenuation, inertial and position sensor development, interferometer simulation, computing and data analysis. The gravitational-wave research within Nikhef is also conducted in Utrecht (data analysis) and Maastricht, where Maastricht hosts the ETpathfinder research facility. Our group is involved in the worldwide effort of advancing gravitational-wave instrumentation, which will give you opportunities to engage with researchers all around the world.
E-meet your supervisor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDiy-VbqB-c
Your profile
You have
- a PhD degree in Physics or a closely related field.
- professional command of English
- excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a large, international collaboration
Experience in gravitational-wave instrumentation, cryogenics, vibration isolation and/or superconductivity is appreciated.
Offer
The candidate will be employed by the NWO-I foundation for a period of two years and will obtain the status of postdoctoral researcher. They will be based at the Nikhef institute in Amsterdam. The conditions of employment are excellent and include extra months’ salary payment in May and December. The conditions of employment of the NWO-I-foundation can be found at https://www.nwo-i.nl/en/employees/
How to apply?
While the deadline for application is set to Wednesday 9 April 2025 18:00 CEST, the position can be filled earlier in case 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)
- a list of publications;
- the names and email addresses of at least two references who can provide letters of recommendation (will be contacted when shortlisted).
Please apply by clicking the 'solliciteer' button below.
Any questions regarding this position can be directed to Joris van Heijningen (j.v.van.heijningen@vu.nl).
All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.