The successful candidate will explore phenomena related to coating thermal noise, which limits the sensitivity of current gravitational-wave detectors, working closely with the relevant groups within the LIGO and Virgo collaborations.
The project will be mainly experimental, conducted in table-top setups and at the ETpathfinder prototype, but will also include simulations and modelling. The goal is to provide relevant insights for meeting the requirements of the next generation of gravitational-wave detectors such as the Einstein Telescope.
 

Applicants should have a Master degree (or equivalent) in physics and excellent English communication skills. Experience with experimental lab work is desirable as well as Matlab and/or Python skills.

Fixed-term contract: We offer a full-time employment contract as a PhD candidate. The employment contract will be for a period of 1 year and will be extended for another 3 years after positive evaluation.

·       We offer a rewarding career at a young university in the heart of Europe, with a distinct global perspective and a strong focus on innovative research and education;

·       The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO), supplement with local UM provisions. For more information on terms of employment, please visit our website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > Support > UM employees;

·       The salary will be set in the PhD-candidate salary scale of the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (€ 2.395 gross per month in the first year up to € 3.061 gross per month in the fourth year). On top of this, there is an 8% holiday allowance and a 8.3% year-end allowance;

·       We offer an attractive package of fringe benefits such as reduction on collective health insurance, substantial leave arrangements, optional model for designing a personalised benefits package and application for attractive fiscal arrangements for employees from abroad.

Maastricht University

Located in the heart of Europe, UM is the most international university in the Netherlands with half of our students and one third of academic staff coming from abroad. In total, UM has around 20.000 students and 4,700 employees and represents 100 different nationalities. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. Maastricht University is a stimulating environment where research and teaching are complementary, where innovation is our focus and where talent can flourish. Research is characterized by a multidisciplinary, thematic, and collaborative approach, and with education, forms the core of UM.

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

Maastricht University is an international organization, embracing a diverse student and staff population. We strongly believe that diversity is our advantage and creating an inclusive working climate in which students and staff feel a valued member of the UM community is therefore a top strategic priority. UM values diversity within its community and encourages you to apply.

Not convinced/Eager to learn more? Take our virtual campus tour to get a sense of our university culture, the city of Maastricht, and your potential working environment.