Jobs and Positions

We are always interested in receiving CV's of enthousiastic young scientists with expertise in our research field, for all levels, from Masters, PhD or PostDoc. Currently we have specific funding for:

4 PhD positions in the FOM program: Broken Mirrors & Drifting Constants

In this FOM program we will use the most precise tools of physics available today
to test our current physical understanding of the universe as laid out in General Relativity
(GR) and the Standard Model (SM). The principal idea behind this program is that effects
of new physics either related to hitherto unknown particles or to symmetry-breaking
phenomena manifest themselves as minute shifts in the quantum level structures of
atoms and molecules. This opens up the possibility to probe physics that is normally
associated with TeV-physics in measurements at the feV-level. To detect such phenomena,
experiments must be performed at extreme precision, where key ingredients are
ultra-stable lasers and cold and controlled samples of atoms and molecules.
Recent advances in these key techniques are now providing us a window of opportunity.
This program will be carried out at VU LaserLaB and at KVI Groningen, and at both institutes
there are 4 open PhD positions. By joining the scientific and technical knowledge at KVI and VU,
we create a unique  environment for these challenging precision experiments and their interpretation.
We have selected a number of target species which, because of a fortuitous level structure,
have an enhanced sensitivity to new physics. These target species range from the  He atom,
to He+, Ra+ and H2+ ions, and H2, NH3 and SrF molecules; all systems at the  atomic scale.
We will bring these target species under full control and conduct  measurements at extreme precision.
Our measurements at the atomic scale will provide essential input for long sought after grand-unification theories, complementary to currently  ongoing approaches at high energies with accelerators and cosmic particles.
We are looking for motivated PhD students, who are willing to take on the challenge of these cutting-edge projects. The projects involve:
- High precision spectroscopy on atomic and molecular ions in ion traps
- Development of an ultra-stable (1 Hz) laser connected to a frequency comb laser
- Precision spectroscopy of atoms and ions to derive the value of the fine structure constant
- Laboratory precision spectroscopy on molecular systems for probing variation of the proton-electron mass ratio.

Contact: Prof. W. Ubachs (w.m.g.ubachs@vu.nl), program leader
Details

1 PostDoc position

For our experiments on molecules, with the aim of detecting possible variation on the proton-elelctron mass ratio on a laboratory time scale we are looking for an experienced microwave spectroscopist.
Contact: Dr. H.L. Bethlem (h.l.bethlem@vu.nl)

1 PhD position

As part of the FOM projectruimte proposal "Ultracold controlled chemistry" a PhD position is available (4 years, full salary).

The proposal aims to investigate magnetically tunable atom-exchange reactions in ultracold mixtures of atoms and weakly bound Feshbach molecules. This research, based on experimental tools from atomic physics, aims to understand fundamental questions in the field of quantum chemistry in the ultralow temperature regime. 

We are searching for an experimental physicist who has already gathered experience in the field of atomic and/or molecular physics (preferably atomic or molecular spectroscopy, laser cooling and trapping).

Contact: Dr. Steven Knoop
Link to the experiment.
More information.