Are you exceptionally interested in the potential of gravitational wave astronomy for fundamental physics? We are seeking a postdoctoral research associate to lead an interdisciplinary research on gravitational wave probes of particle dark matter. The successful candidate will be embedded in the GRAPPA center of excellence in gravitation and astroparticle physics.

What are you going to do?
You are expected to perform high-level research in the rapid developing field of precision gravitational wave astronomy, and to assess the implications for the identification of the fundamental nature of dark matter particle. You are expected to publish your results in peer-reviewed international journals. Teaching and the supervision of Bachelor and Master students will not be part of your duties, but you will have the opportunity to interact with a vibrant community of young researchers, and to give guest lectures for students at the MSc level if you wish to do so.

You should have:

• PhD, or expect to obtain it before October 1st, 2024;
• A strong publication record;
• Professional command of English;
• Demonstrated excellent research skills.

Candidates with previous research experience in gravitational wave astronomy and/or particle dark matter studies, as well as with a track record in interdisciplinary research will be given additional consideration.

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 2 years (with a possible extension of 1 year based on performance). The preferred starting date is October 1st, 2024 or soon thereafter.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,960 to € 4,670 (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.

Faculty of Science

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

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 (IoP) of the Faculty of Science combines the Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute (WZI), the Institute of Theoretical Physics (ITFA) and the Institute for High Energy Physics (IHEF) and is one of the large research institutes of the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam. The mission of IoP is to carry out excellent research in the field of experimental and theoretical physics, to provide inspiring teaching within the physics and other curricula and to transfer our knowledge of and enthusiasm for physics to society. The IoP has over 50 faculty and 180 researchers in total. The combination with the NWO Institutes at Amsterdam Science Park constitutes the largest physics hub in the Netherlands and is an international centre of excellence.

The center of excellence in Gravitation and Astroparticle Physics (GRAPPA) is connected to the Institute of Physics and the Anton Pannekoek Institute at the University of Amsterdam as well as Nikhef. GRAPPA researchers have wide research interests, including dark matter phenomenology, cosmic rays, high-energy astrophysics, cosmology, black holes physics, gravitational waves, and string theory. It also includes experimental physicists active in the Antares/KM3NeT, ATLAS, CTA, LOFAR, and XENON1T collaborations. We are associated with the Virgo Collaboration, the Einstein Telescope collaboration and LISA consortium.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Diversity
The University of Amsterdam is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity. To this end, we strongly encourage applications from people of diverse backgrounds and from underrepresented groups. We also welcome active contribution by the fellow to our discussions on diversity, equity and inclusion.