Position 1 - Quantum-engineered precision measurements of a single H2+ molecular ion
Help us in implementing techniques from the quantum computing toolbox to reach unprecedented accuracies in the spectroscopy of the simplest molecule in our universe - H2+. You will work as a PhD student in a team on the project that aims to do the first precision measurement of transitions between weakly-bound states of trapped H2+ for new tests of quantum-electrodynamics and fundamental constants. It will be your task to develop quantum-logic state detection schemes for H2+ with a co-trapped Be+ ion, and use this to strongly advance the potential of H2+ spectroscopy. The work involves many aspects, like working with, and development of, advanced lasers, nonlinear optics, ion trapping, quantum state manipulation, radio-frequency and microwaves, ultra-high vacuum, high-harmonic generation, simulations, and more.

Your duties

• developing and implementing a new ion trap apparatus that employs a quantum-logic scheme to manipulate and detect the state of H2+ ions using the Zeeman effect
• putting textbook quantum mechanics, optics and electronics into practice by designing, simulating, conducting, and analyzing measurements of H2+ molecular ions
• make the most accurate measurements of weakly-bound states of H2+ and measure the splitting between the two nuclear spin states (ortho and para)
• spend at most 10% of your time on teaching duties

Position 2

• Quantum-engineered precision measurements of a single HD+ molecular ion

As a PhD student, you will develop, construct, commission and operate the world's most precise apparatus for quantum-engineered measurements a single trapped HD+ molecular ion.

Your duties

• design, construction, and commissioning of an ion trap vacuum apparatus for storing a single Be+ qubit ion together with a single HD+ molecular ion
• phase-stabilization of lasers for HD+ excitation to a reference laser with 1 Hz line width
• development of coherent control techniques for deterministic preparation of the vibrational, rotational and spin quantum state of the HD+ molecule
• carry out the world's most precise measurements of rotational and vibrational transition frequencies of HD+ for tests of fundamental physical law and searches for 'new physics'
• spend at most 10% of your time on teaching duties

Position 3

• Quantum-engineered precision measurement of the 1S-2S transition in He+ for fundamental tests

You will work as a PhD student in a team on the project that aims to do the first precision measurement of the 1S-2S transition in a single trapped He+ for new tests of quantum-electrodynamics and fundamental constants. It will be your task to develop quantum-logic state detection schemes for He+ with a co-trapped Be+ ion, and use this to strongly advance the potential of He+ spectroscopy. The work involves many aspects, like working with, and development of, advanced lasers, nonlinear optics, ion trapping, quantum state manipulation, ultra-high vacuum, high-harmonic generation, simulations, and more.

Your duties

• develop quantum-logic detection of the 1S-2S transition in a single trapped He+ ion
• test new ideas for fast He-ion loading and laser cooling to the motional ground state
• work in a team to do the first precision measurements of the 1S-2S transition frequency in He+, and based on this perform an unprecedented test of QED and fundamental constants to search for 'new' physics
• spend at most 10% of you time on teaching duties

• a MSc degree in Physics, Physical Chemistry or Applied Physics, preferably specializing in atomic, molecular, and/or optical physics
• you have great enthusiasm for working at the forefront of science and technology
• a creative mind and independent 'self-starting' attitude, with the ability to see beyond boundaries, set priorities, and develop your skills through self-study where needed
• demonstrated hands-on experience in optics, electronics, lasers, vacuum systems, and system automation is nice, but not a requirement

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2,541 (PhD) per month during the first year and increases to €3,247 (PhD) per month during the fourth year, based on a full-time employment. The job profile: is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 1 FTE.

The appointment will initially be for 1 year. 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,
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge, optional model for designing a personalized benefits package,
• space for personal development

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 endeavor - 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 30,000 students. We employ over 5,500 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 more than 11,000 students.

About the department and research group
The research will take place in the Department of Physics and Astronomy of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, in the Quantum Metrology and Laser Applications group. This group consists of 5 PIs and 20-25 people in total. We are part of LaserLaB Amsterdam (a member of Laserlab Europe), which is hosting more than 35 PIs and 120 young researchers.