Neutrino's that were released one second after the Big Bang are still omnipresent today. Each second billions of these neutrinos fly through each of us. However, they have never been directly observed due to their extremely low energy. At the University of Amsterdam and the Dutch Institute for Subatomic Physics (Nikhef) we have started a project to investigate these so called relic neutrinos.

Within the context of the PTOLEMY international consortium we will develop new techniques to observe these neutrinos when they are captured on a beta emitting nucleus. We will work on the detection of the electrons when they emit synchrotron radiation in an E and B field. The technology will be integrated into a full-demonstrator relic neutrino detector within 2-3 years from now.

What are you going to do?

• Develop RF antenna's for single electron detection in collaboration with the Dutch institute for applied scientific research (TNO).
• Integrate the RF antenna system in a full readout chain together with the Nikhef electronic engineering departments.
• Test and evaluate the system.
• Integrate the antenna system in a full demonstrator setup to be constructed at the Gran Sasso laboratory in Italy.
• Collaborate within the Dutch relic neutrino consortium.
• Collaborate within the international PTOLEMY collaboration.

• A PhD in Experimental Physics or Electronics Engineering.
• A strong scientific expertise in experimental High Energy Physics and/or RF detection systems.
• The ability and willingness to work in an international collaboration.
• You are able to show - and develop - strong management skills.

A temporary contract for two years (38 hours a week), preferably starting on 1 June 2022.

The salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be €2,846 to €4,490 (scale 10) gross per month, based on a fulltime contract (38 hours a week). This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the '30% ruling', may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look here.

Faculty of Science

The Institute of Physics (IoP) 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. One of the institutes that the IoP has very close ties to is Nikhef, the national institute for subatomic physics in The Netherlands. The present vacancy is fully embedded in the group of Prof. Colijn at Nikhef.

The Nikhef organizationis the national institute for subatomic physics in The Netherlands. At Nikhef, approximately 175 physicists and 75 technical staff members work together in an open and international scientific environment. Together, they perform theoretical and experimental research in the fields of particle and astroparticle physics. The Nikhef institute is a collaboration between six major Dutch universities and the Dutch Foundation for Scientific Research (NWO).