The Van der Waals - Zeeman Institute for Experimental Physics (IoP-WZI) is part of the  Institute of Physics (IoP) of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and home to three research clusters: Quantum Gases & Quantum Information (QG&QI), Quantum Materials (QMat), and Soft Matter (SM). Our research focuses on the emergent properties of complex matter both in a quantum and classical physics setting.

We are reinforcing our research support team and are currently looking for two research assistants with complementary skills, experience and enthusiasm. This vacancy is for a suitable research assistant to support our QMat team. Our other vacancy is for a research assistant Quantum Gases & Quantum Information.

This position is an important part of our strategy for maintaining the excellent quality of our research by providing continuity and expertise at a high level.

You should be an authority in particular key areas and an all-rounder in others. A key aspect will be to provide hands-on support in the lab to research being carried out by MSc students, PhD- and postdoctoral researchers in the QG&QI, QMat and SM research clusters. Within the QMat research cluster you will support our crystal growth facilities, as well as aid group members and students with low temperature transport and spectroscopy experiments. Beyond these specialist skills, you will gain experience and expertise with a broad range of available research equipment and also be co-responsible for ensuring a safe working environment for all users of the labs.

As member of the IoP-WZI’s team of three full-time research assistants you will:

• play a key role in liaising within the faculty and beyond. For example, with the faculty’s machine- and electronics- workshops, but also with the NanoLab Amsterdam cleanroom facility situated in the neighboring NWO-institute AMOLF;
• develop deep-rooted expertise with and maintenance of WZI’s research facilities and software packages;
• be able to act as advisor and expert consultant in areas such as laser systems, materials preparation & characterization and ultra-high vacuum technology;
• be responsible for and coordinate the use of research infrastructure that is shared between the lab’s research clusters.

Furthermore, you enjoy sharing your knowledge and expertise with our diverse community of students and early-career researchers, as well as participating in outreach activities such as open days. You feel at home in scientific group meetings and seminars and will equally enjoy acting as effective sparring partner, supporting young researchers with creative advice and hands-on support in their experiments.

We are looking for you if you have:

• a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field;
• a passion for physics, technology and science;
• the ability to quickly process and apply new knowledge and approaches in practice;
• a pro-active personality and a true troubleshooting mentality;
• demonstrable experience of any one or more of the following: crystal growth, solid-state spectroscopy, low temperature and/or optical physics, and interest to become an expert in these areas.

Knowledge and experience of automation and laboratory management is an advantage.

Science is international as is the IoP-WZI. Therefore, excellent command of English is a must and if necessary we will facilitate your learning of Dutch.

You will initially be appointed on a one-year contract, with the possibility of transition to a permanent appointment at the end of this period.

Depending on experience, the gross monthly salary will range from €2,709 to €4,274 (university pay scales 9 or 10). For an exceptionally experienced candidate, appointment in salary scale 11 is negotiable. The salary is supplemented with an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities applies.

University of Amsterdam

With over 5,000 employees, 30,000 students and a budget of more than 600 million euros, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is an intellectual hub within the Netherlands. Teaching and research at the UvA are conducted within seven faculties: Humanities, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Economics and Business, Law, Science, Medicine and Dentistry. Housed on four city campuses in or near the heart of Amsterdam, where disciplines come together and interact, the faculties have close links with thousands of researchers and hundreds of institutions at home and abroad. 

The UvA’s students and employees are independent thinkers, competent rebels who dare to question dogmas and aren’t satisfied with easy answers and standard solutions. To work at the UvA is to work in an independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterised by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society.

Institute of Physics

The Institute of Physics (IoP) of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is located in the center 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 center of international standing.

http://iop.uva.nl/