The NEXT project aims to discover new isotopes in the transfermium region and nuclei around N=126 using multinucleon transfer reactions. We are planning to study decays properties as well as the masses of these nuclei.

Within the project a new solenoid-based spectrometer for multi-nucleon transfer reactions coupled to a MultiReflection Time-of-Flight MassSpectrometer (MR ToF MS) is currently under construction in order to study neutron-rich heavy nuclei. The new setup will be installed at the AGOR cyclotron (https://bscs.umcg.nl/nl/faciliteiten/agor-cyclotron-faciliteit/) facility in Groningen.

For the project, we are looking for an enthusiastic Postdoc with an interest in technical development and building new experimental equipment as well as online experiments. The postdoc will be involved in setting up the new experiment and will work on the commissioning of a new ion guide system and MR ToF MS. Previous experience in ion guide techniques and/ or precision mass spectrometry will be considered as an advantage.

The project NEXT – is funded through an ERC starting grant. (PI of the grant is Julia Even), The project is embedded within the Van Swinderen Institute for Particle Physics and Gravity (VSI - https://www.rug.nl/research/vsi/?lang=en) at the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen.

• PhD in physics
• experience in instrumentation, ion guide techniques, electromagnetic separators and/or mass spectrometry
• ability to work in a team as well as independently
• ability to communicate verbally and in written form in English
• good interpersonal skills
• good communication skills.

The successful candidate has interest and experience in setting up a new experiment and running beam times.

Fixed-term contract: 24 months.

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• a salary of € 3,557 (salary scale 10, step 4) gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 4,670 gross per month for a full-time position
• a full-time position (38 hours per week) for 2 years (October 2022 to September 2024).
• a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income
• an 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance
• minimum of 29 holidays and additional 12 holidays in case of full-time employment
• excellent secondary benefits, including a pension scheme and flexible employment conditions.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

The University of Groningen (https://www.rug.nl/) has an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative center of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 36,000 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, we are truly an international place of knowledge.