Interacting (many-body) systems are ubiquitous in Nature, yet the universality in their building blocks enables us to simulate and study them using scale models in the laboratory. Trapped ions and ultracold neutral quantum gases are among the key platforms that facilitate this analog quantum simulation. However, to fully benefit from combining these fields and creating a hybrid ion-atom system, it is essential to understand, characterize, and control the interactions between the atoms and ions. Our experiments focus on this exploration and on using this knowledge to enhance our understanding of quantum chemistry, cold molecules, impurity physics, and quantum simulation of many-body systems. Hybrid ion-atom systems benefit both from the spatial localization and addressability of the ions as well as the long coherence times and scalability of the atoms.

In this PhD project, you will work in an AMO laboratory and build a new experimental setup that combines trapped ions with ultracold atoms. The goal is to study the interactions between a trapped ion impurity and an ultracold gas of atoms. The work will involve designing the ultra-high vacuum setup, setting up optics, lasers and electronics as well as, programming, scientific reporting and data measuring and analysis. You will work in an international team with one other PhD Students and the principal investigator.

SIntAQS - Coherence and Quantum technology Group

You will be part of the new research-lab, SIntAQS (link: https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research- groups/coherence-and-quantum-technology/sintaqs/ ), within the Coherence and Quantum technology Group (link: https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/coherence-and-quantum- technology/ ) at the applied physics department. Besides the atom-ion setup, the larger group is also working on Rydberg-base quantum computer both theoretically and experimentally. The group is part of the Center for quantum materials and technology (link: https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/center-for-quantum-materials-and-technology- eindhoven/ ) and the Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute (link: https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-institutes/eindhoven-hendrik-casimir-institute/ ).

• A MSc. in (theoretical or experimental) physics or physical chemistry
• Affinity with experimental laboratory work; previous laboratory experience working with optics/lasers/electronics/atoms/ions are of benefit.
• Analytical skills, initiative and creativity are valuable qualities, as a are curiosity and eagerness to learn.
• A strong interest in quantum research and atomic physics.
• Good team spirit, and interest to work in an international environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are a prerequisite.

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the possibility to present your work at international conferences.
• A full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months.
• To develop your teaching skills, you will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• To support you during your PhD and to prepare you for the rest of your career, you will make a Training and Supervision plan and you will have free access to a personal development program for PhD students (PROOF program).
• A gross monthly salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
• Should you come from abroad and comply with certain conditions, you can make use of the so-called '30% facility', which permits you not to pay tax on 30% of your salary.
• A broad package of fringe benefits, including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes.
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.