Jobs - Open PhD position

Job description

As a successful candidate, you will develop a novel molecular ion trap experiment using hydrogen molecular ions in exotic states. Measurements of the rovibronic energy structure of the hydrogen molecular ion in the vicinity of the dissociation threshold will be used to test Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) and to search for physics beyond the Standard Model. The experimental research will be closely accompanied by ab initio quantum-chemical calculations starting from first principles.

You will work with pulsed lasers to generate vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) radiation using four-wave mixing in Xenon or Krypton. Laser light in the VUV, UV and visible will be used to excite molecular Rydberg states of H$_2$, which are then ionized to state-selectively generate hydrogen molecular ions in vibrationally excited states. Your main research goal will be the development of a linear rf trap to hold the ions and expose them to milimeter-wave radiation to drive and detect the clock transitions.

Your project will be embedded in the search for physics beyond the Standard Model carried out at the LaserLaB Amsterdam.

Your profile

• Successfully completed study of physics or chemistry (diploma, Master of Science or equivalent degree) - Experience in experimental atomic, molecular and optical physics
• Familiarity with lasers, optics and measurements electronics
• Computational skills

VU Amsterdam - LaserLaB

The research group of Quantum Metrology and Laser Applications at LaserLaB, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - 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.

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.

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 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);

Interested?

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 arrange for one or more of the reference letters to be sent directly by email to m.beyer@vu.nl.

Consideration of applications will begin immediately and will continue until we have filled the position. For further information about the project please visit: https://nat.vu.nl/~mbeyer/project/weakly-bound-ions/ or contact us by email: m.beyer@vu.nl.