Postdoc Positions in Quantum Metrology and Fundamental Physics (VU University of Amsterdam )

We are looking for motivated and interested PhD-students or Postdocs, with a degree in physics/chemistry with experience in laser physics, spectroscopy, and/or optical technology, who wish to work with us in the international and stimulating environment of the joint Quantum Metrology group at LaserLaB Amsterdam. (See: https://nat.vu.nl/en/research/quantum_metrology_and_laser_applications/index.aspx) Location: AMSTERDAM FTE: 0.8 - 1 Job description In the research group of Quantum Metrology and Laser Applications at LaserLaB, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam there are several openings for PhD students and Postdocs. The very international group, consisting of some 20 strongly collaborating senior and junior scientists, focuses on precision measurements of atomic and molecular systems, using advanced laser techniques as well as techniques to cool the motion of atoms and molecules. For this they use the joint infrastructure at LaserLaB, with a variety of lasers ranging from ultrastable to ultrafast, connected to atomic clocks and frequency comb lasers. The goals are to test fundamental theories of physics (like Quantum Electrodynamics), to determine fundamental constants (like the proton-electron mass ratio), and to search for physics beyond the Standard Model, such as fifth forces and extra dimensions; see for example Physics beyond the Standard Model from hydrogen spectroscopy J. Mol. Spectr. 320 (2016) 1. The openings are on the following subjects: A molecular clock based on weakly bound states of H2+ held in a radio-frequency trap. Exotic molecular states in the vicinity of the dissociation threshold are state-selectively generated using molecular Rydberg states of H2. The molecular clock will be used to probe physics beyond the Standard Model and nuclear-spin induced symmetry violations. The measured clock transitions and the study of quasi-bound states of H2+ will pave the way for the generation of the first anti-matter molecules H2- and for future tests of CPT symmetry. See also: Half-Collision Approach to Cold Chemistry: Shape Resonances, Elastic Scattering, and Radiative Association in the H++H and D++D Collision Systems, Phys. Rev. X 8, 031085 (2018) PhD position; Contact person: Dr. Maximilian Beyer, m.beyer@vu.nl, https://nat.vu.nl/~mbeyer/post/jobs/ Determination of the proton-electron mass ratio and search for physics beyond the Standard Model in the HD+ molecular ion. The research will be carried out in an existing ion trap setup using ultrastable lasers and radiofrequency sources. As a PhD student or postdoc you will be responsible for the ongoing upgrade of the experiment and its control system, the development of new spectroscopic detection techniques, numerical modelling, acquisition of data and analysis, and interpretation of data in the context of fundamental physical laws. See also: Proton-Electron Mass Ratio from Laser Spectroscopy of HD+ at the Part-Per-Trillion Level, Science 369, 1238-1241 (2020) PhD and 1 Postdoc position; Contact person: Dr. Jeroen Koelemeij, j.c.j.koelemeij@vu.nl, http://www.few.vu.nl/~koel Provide a new cornerstone in the global search for physics beyond the Standard Model through the first measurement of the 1S-2S transition in a single He+ ion. This enables a new QED test or a determination of the Rydberg constant and the alpha-particle charge radius. The He+ ion is confined and indirectly laser cooled in an advanced planar Paul trap, while Ramsey-comb excitation (recently developed in our lab) will be used for the measurement. This involves an amplified frequency-comb laser and high-harmonic generation to 32 nm. See also: Deep-ultraviolet frequency metrology of H2 for tests of molecular quantum theory, Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 043204 (2018), and our first demonstration of Ramsey-comb spectroscopy combined with high-harmonic generation: Phys. Rev. Lett. 123, 143001 (2019). Postdoc position ; Contact person: Prof. Kjeld Eikema, k.s.e.eikema@vu.nl, http://www.few.vu.nl/~kjeld/Positions.html Precision measurement of vibrational transitions in the hydrogen isotopologues HD and HT using highly sensitive and accurate cavity-enhanced techniques, with lasers locked to a frequency comb and atomic clock. Measurements will test QED theory in 4-particle quantum systems and search for deviations thereof targeting physics beyond the Standard Model. See also: Determination of the interval between the ground states of para- and ortho-H2, Phys. Rev. Lett. 123, 163002 (2019), and Sub-Doppler frequency metrology in HD for tests of fundamental physics, Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 153002 (2018) PhD position or Postdoc ; Contact person: Prof. Wim Ubachs, w.m.g.ubachs@vu.nl, http://www.few.vu.nl/~wimu The group has also possibilities for 6-9-12 months Masters projects. There are scholarships available to support Masters students. We look forward to receiving your application including: a detailed curriculum vitae a list of publications a statement of research interests, containing a short description of your background, motivation and skills pdf copies of bachelor and master theses (as available) list of grades (Bachelor and Master) names of two contacts for references Please send your application to one or more of the contact persons listed above. What are we offering? A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2,395 per month during the first year and increases to €3,061 per month during the fourth year, based on a full-time employment for the PhD Positions. For the Postdoc positions on full-time basis the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of €2,790 (scale 10) and a maximum €4,402 (scale 10), depending on your education and experience. For both types of vacancies the job profile is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 0.8 FTE. The initial employment contract will affect a period of 1 year, with the possibility of extension. In case of a PhD, after a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for a total duration of 4 years. Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as: a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus contribution to commuting expenses a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge discounts on collective insurances (healthcare- and car insurance) About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavour – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 26,000 students. We employ over 4,600 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research. Diversity We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences. The Faculty of Science The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad. Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to around 6,000 students. Application Are you interested in this position? Review of applications will continue until the positions are filled. For primary consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply before February 1, 2021. Vacancy questions If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact: Dr. Maximilian Beyer, m.beyer@vu.nl Dr. Jeroen Koelemeij, j.c.j.koelemeij@vu.nl Prof. Kjeld Eikema, k.s.e.eikema@vu.nl Prof. Wim Ubachs, w.m.g.ubachs@vu.nl No agencies If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Physicaloxy

We are looking for motivated and interested PhD-students or Postdocs, with a degree in physics/chemistry with experience in laser physics, spectroscopy, and/or optical technology, who wish to work with us in the international and stimulating environment of the joint Quantum Metrology group at LaserLaB Amsterdam. (See: https://nat.vu.nl/en/research/quantum_metrology_and_laser_applications/index.aspx)

Location: AMSTERDAM

FTE: 0.8 - 1

Job description

In the research group of Quantum Metrology and Laser Applications at LaserLaB, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam there are several openings for PhD students and Postdocs. The very international group, consisting of some 20 strongly collaborating senior and junior scientists, focuses on precision measurements of atomic and molecular systems, using advanced laser techniques as well as techniques to cool the motion of atoms and molecules. For this they use the joint infrastructure at LaserLaB, with a variety of lasers ranging from ultrastable to ultrafast, connected to atomic clocks and frequency comb lasers. The goals are to test fundamental theories of physics (like Quantum Electrodynamics), to determine fundamental constants (like the proton-electron mass ratio), and to search for physics beyond the Standard Model, such as fifth forces and extra dimensions; see for example Physics beyond the Standard Model from hydrogen spectroscopy J. Mol. Spectr. 320 (2016) 1.

The openings are on the following subjects:

A molecular clock based on weakly bound states of H2+ held in a radio-frequency trap. Exotic molecular states in the vicinity of the dissociation threshold are state-selectively generated using molecular Rydberg states of H2. The molecular clock will be used to probe physics beyond the Standard Model and nuclear-spin induced symmetry violations. The measured clock transitions and the study of quasi-bound states of H2+ will pave the way for the generation of the first anti-matter molecules H2- and for future tests of CPT symmetry.
See also: Half-Collision Approach to Cold Chemistry: Shape Resonances, Elastic Scattering, and Radiative Association in the H++H and D++D Collision Systems, Phys. Rev. X 8, 031085 (2018)
PhD position; Contact person: Dr. Maximilian Beyer, m.beyer@vu.nl, https://nat.vu.nl/~mbeyer/post/jobs/
Determination of the proton-electron mass ratio and search for physics beyond the Standard Model in the HD+ molecular ion. The research will be carried out in an existing ion trap setup using ultrastable lasers and radiofrequency sources. As a PhD student or postdoc you will be responsible for the ongoing upgrade of the experiment and its control system, the development of new spectroscopic detection techniques, numerical modelling, acquisition of data and analysis, and interpretation of data in the context of fundamental physical laws.
See also: Proton-Electron Mass Ratio from Laser Spectroscopy of HD+ at the Part-Per-Trillion Level, Science 369, 1238-1241 (2020)
PhD and 1 Postdoc position; Contact person: Dr. Jeroen Koelemeij, j.c.j.koelemeij@vu.nl, http://www.few.vu.nl/~koel
Provide a new cornerstone in the global search for physics beyond the Standard Model through the first measurement of the 1S-2S transition in a single He+ ion. This enables a new QED test or a determination of the Rydberg constant and the alpha-particle charge radius. The He+ ion is confined and indirectly laser cooled in an advanced planar Paul trap, while Ramsey-comb excitation (recently developed in our lab) will be used for the measurement. This involves an amplified frequency-comb laser and high-harmonic generation to 32 nm.
See also: Deep-ultraviolet frequency metrology of H2 for tests of molecular quantum theory, Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 043204 (2018), and our first demonstration of Ramsey-comb spectroscopy combined with high-harmonic generation: Phys. Rev. Lett. 123, 143001 (2019).
Postdoc position ; Contact person: Prof. Kjeld Eikema, k.s.e.eikema@vu.nl, http://www.few.vu.nl/~kjeld/Positions.html
Precision measurement of vibrational transitions in the hydrogen isotopologues HD and HT using highly sensitive and accurate cavity-enhanced techniques, with lasers locked to a frequency comb and atomic clock. Measurements will test QED theory in 4-particle quantum systems and search for deviations thereof targeting physics beyond the Standard Model.
See also: Determination of the interval between the ground states of para- and ortho-H2, Phys. Rev. Lett. 123, 163002 (2019), and Sub-Doppler frequency metrology in HD for tests of fundamental physics, Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 153002 (2018)
PhD position or Postdoc ; Contact person: Prof. Wim Ubachs, w.m.g.ubachs@vu.nl, http://www.few.vu.nl/~wimu
The group has also possibilities for 6-9-12 months Masters projects. There are scholarships available to support Masters students.

We look forward to receiving your application including:

a detailed curriculum vitae
a list of publications
a statement of research interests, containing a short description of your background, motivation and skills
pdf copies of bachelor and master theses (as available)
list of grades (Bachelor and Master)
names of two contacts for references

Please send your application to one or more of the contact persons listed above.

What are we offering?

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2,395 per month during the first year and increases to €3,061 per month during the fourth year, based on a full-time employment for the PhD Positions.
For the Postdoc positions on full-time basis the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of €2,790 (scale 10) and a maximum €4,402 (scale 10), depending on your education and experience.
For both types of vacancies the job profile is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 0.8 FTE.

The initial employment contract will affect a period of 1 year, with the possibility of extension.

In case of a PhD, after a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for a total duration of 4 years.

Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
contribution to commuting expenses
a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
discounts on collective insurances (healthcare- and car insurance)

About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavour – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 26,000 students. We employ over 4,600 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to around 6,000 students.

Application

Are you interested in this position? Review of applications will continue until the positions are filled. For primary consideration, applicants are encouraged to apply before February 1, 2021.

Vacancy questions

If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact:

Dr. Maximilian Beyer, m.beyer@vu.nl
Dr. Jeroen Koelemeij, j.c.j.koelemeij@vu.nl
Prof. Kjeld Eikema, k.s.e.eikema@vu.nl
Prof. Wim Ubachs, w.m.g.ubachs@vu.nl

No agencies

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

Apply

All Jobs