PhD Position in Physics

Institution: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Faculty: Science
Department / Group: Quantum Metrology and Laser Applications (QMLA), LaserLaB Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 36–40 hours/week)
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Contact: Dr. Maximilian Beyer – m.beyer@vu.nl

Position Overview

• Aim: Create the first ultracold gas of a directly laser-cooled homonuclear molecule (He₂).

• Techniques: Supersonic beams, laser slowing and cooling, ultrahigh vacuum, optics, spectroscopy, scientific programming, CAD design, electronics.

• Applications: Quantum sensing, precision measurements for QED, study of quantum collisions, benchmarking ab initio computational methods.

• Possibility to explore theory of molecular Rydberg states and scattering theory.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop and implement laser cooling and trapping of He₂ molecules.

• Participate in experimental design, setup, and data acquisition.

• Contribute to programming, optics, CAD design, and ultrahigh vacuum experiments.

• Collaborate in a highly international team in the QMLA group.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s and Master’s in Physics or Chemistry.

• Interest or experience in atomic, molecular, optical physics, laser physics, spectroscopy, or optical technology.

• Bright, enthusiastic, team-oriented, eager to learn.

• Strong motivation to work on a novel and challenging experimental project.

Offer / Benefits

• Contract: Initial 1-year appointment, extendable to 4 years upon positive evaluation.

• Salary: €3,059 – €3,881 gross/month (full-time, PhD scale).

• Working hours: 38–40 hours/week; 232–328 holiday hours/year depending on schedule.

• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus.

• Contribution to commuting expenses.

• Personalized benefits package and access to sports facilities at modest charge.

• Professional development and training opportunities in a stimulating international environment.

About the Group and Faculty

• QMLA group: 20 scientists, focuses on precision measurements of atomic and molecular systems.

• Research goals: Test fundamental physics (QED), determine fundamental constants, search for physics beyond the Standard Model.

• Faculty of Science, VU Amsterdam: International, interdisciplinary research environment with strong experimental, computational, and technical infrastructure.

• Emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and collaborative research.

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com