Postdoctoral Scholarship in Physics

Regime: Full-time (100%)

Let’s Shape the Future – University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking European university. We offer innovative academic education to more than 20,000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research, and play an important service-providing role in society. With more than 6,000 employees from over 100 different countries, we are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region.

Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and help shape tomorrow’s world.

About the Position

The Department of Physics in the Faculty of Science is seeking a full-time (100%) Postdoctoral Scholarship Holder in Physics or a related field.

The Particle Physics research group carries out research in particle physics (CMS experiment at CERN LHC) and gravitational waves. The group is actively involved in Virgo instrumentation, LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA data analysis, and instrumentation science related to the Einstein Telescope.

The University of Antwerp is a founding partner of the ETpathfinder project and one of the initial founding research units of the Einstein Telescope Collaboration.

This position is part of the ETpathfinder Smart Skills Lab, a new initiative focused on training companies and industry partners—particularly SMEs in Flanders and the south of the Netherlands—in ETpathfinder-related technologies and skills.

ETpathfinder Smart Skills Lab

ETpathfinder is a field laboratory for the research, development, and validation of new technologies for the Einstein Telescope. Based on a full interferometer configuration, ETpathfinder aims to perform length measurements at the level of thousandths of a proton diameter, requiring advances in optics, sensors, lasers, materials, cryogenic cooling, vibration damping, vacuum systems, and controls.

The Smart Skills Lab is a collaboration between 17 academic and educational partners across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

Position Responsibilities

• Join a cohort of 11 ETpathfinder Technology Experts, initially working for 12 months with the ETpathfinder team for training at the Maastricht facility.

• Develop and deliver training modules (online and practical) for SMEs during the second phase of the project.

• Collaborate closely with the ETpathfinder consortium (20+ research institutes and universities from 7 countries) and the Smart Skills Lab team.

• Be based at the Department of Physics, University of Antwerp, with significant time spent at the ETpathfinder facility in Maastricht.

• Focus research on seismic isolation and control, including:

  • Construction, installation, and commissioning of position sensors and actuators

  • Mirror tower suspensions

  • Local control loops

• Transfer technical expertise to industry partners through tutorials and training modules.

Profile

• PhD in Physics or a related field from a non-Belgian institution (or obtained by the start date).

• Proficiency in English with strong communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Flexibility in working with international and interdisciplinary teams.

• Research experience relevant to gravitational wave instrumentation (desirable).

• Experience in education and outreach (desirable).

• Research qualities aligned with faculty and university research policies.

• Teaching competences aligned with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.

• Commitment to quality, integrity, creativity, and cooperation.

What We Offer

• Full-time appointment as a postdoctoral scholarship holder for 2 years (1+1 renewable).

• Planned start date: 1 April 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

• Monthly scholarship according to postdoctoral scholarship scales for Contract Research Staff (BAP).

• Benefits including ecocheques, internet-connectivity allowance, and bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport costs.

• A dynamic and stimulating working environment at the University of Antwerp and the ETpathfinder facility in Maastricht.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform by 26 February 2026 (midnight Brussels time).

Please include the following documents:

• Motivation letter (including description of past research)

• Academic CV

• Three letters of reference

The selection committee will review applications after the deadline. Eligible candidates will be informed about the next steps in the selection procedure.

For technical questions about the application platform, please consult the FAQs or email jobs@uantwerpen.be.

For questions about the position, please contact Dr Hans Van Haevermaet (hans.vanhaevermaet@uantwerpen.be).

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Antwerp holds the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation that values diversity and inclusion. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age.

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com