We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to take a leading role in the development and optimization of the photon detection system for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) Near Detector Liquid Argon (ND-LAr). This position is an excellent opportunity to work at the forefront of experimental particle physics, contributing to cutting-edge R&D, prototyping, and data analysis for one of the most ambitious neutrino experiments in the world.

Position
This position is an excellent opportunity to work at the forefront of experimental particle physics, contributing to cutting-edge R&D, prototyping, and data analysis for one of the most ambitious neutrino experiments in the world.

What are you going to do?
Depending on your interests, the position can focus on a number of topics. Possible topics include:

• Development, testing, and optimization of the photon detection planes for the ND-LAr.
• Development and integration of the photon sensor read-out electronics chain.
• Analysis of data from the 2x2 test setup, a scaled-down prototype of the ND-LAr, aimed at validating and refining detector technologies.
• Interpretation of test results from prototypes in the context of DUNE’s broader scientific goals.
• Simulation studies to determine design requirements and physics reach of ND-LAr.

You will have the opportunity to travel to Fermilab in the US and to Bern University in Switzerland for the purpose of collaborating with the ND-LAr team and to contribute to prototype testing and data taking.
You will also supervise the work of MSc students and PhD candidates.

While employed by UvA and part of IHEF in the Institute of Physics, you will be based at Nikhef in Amsterdam, and work with the DUNE team there. The team consists of members from Nikhef's Neutrino and Dark Matter groups and currently includes 5 faculty members, 1 post-doc, 2 PhD candidates, and 1 MSc student.
Nikhef is the national institute for subatomic physics in the Netherlands. At Nikhef, approximately 220 physicists and 75 technical staff work together in an open and international scientific environment. Among the research collaborations Nikhef participates in are the ALICE, ATLAS and LHCb experiments at CERN, the KM3NeT neutrino telescope, the DUNE neutrino detector, the Virgo gravitational wave detector, the XENONnT dark matter experiment, the Pierre Auger cosmic ray observatory, and the eEDM research programme in Groningen. There are also scientific groups on Theory, Physics Data Processing and Detector R&D.

Nikhef avails over excellently equipped technical departments in mechanical technology, electronics, and computing.

Your profile
Your experience and profile:

• a Ph.D. in experimental particle physics, nuclear physics, or a closely related field (or evidence of completion before the start date)
• proficiency in data analysis techniques and familiarity with programming languages such as C++ and Python
• strong experimental skills, including instrumentation, prototyping, or detector testing in the field of particle detectors
• excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a large, international collaboration
• professional command of English

Experience in photon detection, noble-liquid detectors, neutrino detectors, data acquisition systems for particle detectors (especially those using SiPMs), and/or wavelength shifters for VUV photons is appreciated.

Our offer
We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 24 months, with a probationary period of two months. The preferred starting date is as soon as possible.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,345 to € 5,278 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

About us
The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Institute of Physics is located in the centre of the Amsterdam Science Park. The IoP – as part of the Faculty of Science – is housed in a modern building with excellent labs and technical facilities. Surrounded by several national research institutes and with our partners at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the institute is part of a strong physics centre of international standing. One of the institutes that the IoP has very close ties to is Nikhef, the national institute for subatomic physics in The Netherlands

Nikhef is the national institute for subatomic physics in The Netherlands. At Nikhef, approximately 220 physicists and 75 technical staff work together in an open and international scientific environment. Among the research collaborations Nikhef participates in are the ALICE, ATLAS and LHCb experiments at CERN, the KM3NeT neutrino telescope, the DUNE neutrino detector, the Virgo gravitational wave detector, the XENONnT dark matter experiment, the Pierre Auger cosmic ray observatory, and the eEDM research programme in Groningen. There are also scientific groups on Theory, Physics Data Processing and Detector R&D. Nikhef avails over excellently equipped technical departments in mechanical technology, electronics, and computing.

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 30 January 2025.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• a letter of motivation;
• a list of publications;
• the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation (will be contacted when shortlisted).

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: national knowledge security guidelines)

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

The interviews will be held in the course of February 2025.

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• Tina Pollmann, Assocate professor, t.r.pollmann@uva.nl