PhD Position in Physics (VU University of Amsterdam)

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. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Physicaloxy

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.