Relativistic Fock space coupled cluster is considered to be the most powerful method for accurate calculations of properties of heavy atoms and small heavy molecules. Presently, this method can only handle systems with up to two valence electrons, which severely limits its applicability and leaves many important and interesting atoms, molecules, and ions out of its reach.

The project High Sector Fock space coupled cluster has recently received funding through the NWO (Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research) Vidi grant. The aim of this project is to extend the applicability and the accuracy of Fock space coupled cluster approach and allow this method to fulfil its potential. The new development will be applied to many important open problems in atomic and molecular physics. Most of the applications will be carried out in collaboration with experimental groups.

We are currently looking for an enthusiastic PhD student for method development and implementation.

Research environment
Dr. Anastasia Borschevsky, Rosalind Franklin Fellow, will be the main supervisor of the project. The project will be carried out at the Van Swinderen Institute for Particle Physics and Gravity, in close collaboration with other theoretical and experimental research groups, both within the University of Groningen and internationally. The successful candidate will be expected to spend a few weeks per year in the group of Prof. Ephraim Eliav (Tel Aviv University, Israel).

The applicant should have an MSc degree in Physics or Chemistry, strong knowledge of atomic and molecular physics, and considerable programming experience. Good communication skills (both verbal and written) in English are a prerequisite. The candidate should be enthusiastic about research, capable of learning new skills, and happy working both independently and in collaboration with other scientists.

Fixed-term contract: 48 months.

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:
• a salary of € 2,325 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 2,972 gross per month in the fourth and final year for a full-time working week
• a full-time position (1.0 FTE) for 4 years
• a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income
• an 8.3% year-end bonus
• a position for four years; first, you will get a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years; prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the contract period is to be expected
• a PhD training programme is part of the agreement and you will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering.

You can submit your application until 15 September 2019 11:59 p.m. Dutch local time (CET) by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website). Candidates are expected to start in November 2019. The positions will be open until filled by suited candidates.

Applications for the position should include:
• cover letter
• curriculum vitae, including details of bachelor and master degrees and publication list, if applicable
• detailed (1-2 pages) description of previous research experience, such as the bachelor/master research projects
• contact information for 2 referees; preferably someone who has knowledge of research experience of the candidate.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our University. We are committed to building a diverse faculty so you are encouraged to apply. Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the Recruitment code (NVP), https://nvp-plaza.nl/download/?id=7714 and European Commission's European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers, https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code

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Faculty of Science and Engineering

Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 31,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and joining forces with prestigious partner universities and networks, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge.