With leading research into fundamental chemistry and physics, we can answer important questions about the world of today and tomorrow. This requires curious individuals who want to push the experimental boundaries of science with their talent and expertise. As a PhD Candidate in experimental molecular physics, you will use state-of-the-art facilities of the HFML-FELIX laboratory to develop experiments for  time-resolved studies using Infrared Free Electron Lasers.

For this project, which is part of the Max Planck - Radboud University Center for Infrared Free Electron Laser Spectroscopy, you will use existing and yet-to-be-designed experimental equipment to characterise metal cluster complexes, combining mass spectrometry and laser spectroscopy, utilizing in particular the Infrared Free Electron Lasers (IR-FELs) that are available at HFML-FELIX and the Fritz-Haber-Institute (FHI) in Berlin, Germany. As a PhD Candidate, you will closely collaborate with our partners at FHI in joint experimental studies at both institutions. This position comes with a 10% teaching load. We hope you will have an articulate interest in setting up new experiments for unique time-resolved studies employing IR-FELs.

• You should have an MSc degree in Physics or Physical Chemistry.
• Experience with any of the following techniques is desirable, but not essential: pulsed laser systems, time-resolved spectroscopy, mass spectrometry or high vacuum instrumentation, programming for data analysis (Python, Igor Pro, Matlab, Origin) or instrument automation and data acquisition (Labview).
• You are enthusiastic about experimental research.
• You are keen and able to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English are essential.
• You must be in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of your research career and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree.

Fixed-term contract: You will be employed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4 year contract) or 3.5 years (5 year contract).

• It concerns an employment for 0.8 (5 year contract) - 1.0 FTE (4 year contract).
• The gross starting salary amounts to €2,541 per month based on a 38-hour working week, and will increase to €3,247 from the fourth year onwards (salary scale P).
• You will receive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will be employed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4 year contract) or 3.5 years (5 year contract).
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Care Services. Our Dual Career and Family Care Officer can assist you with family-related support, help your partner or spouse prepare for the local labour market, provide customized support in their search for employment and help your family settle in Nijmegen.
• Working for us means getting extra days off. In case of full-time employment, you can choose between 29 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the legally allotted 20.

Work and science require good employment practices. This is reflected in Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself, for example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports subscription. And of course, we offer a good pension plan. You are given plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

HFML-FELIX is a large-scale research infrastructure and its in-house research programmes are centred in chemistry and physics, fostering interdisciplinary research. The mission of HFML-FELIX is to develop and exploit the world's highest magnetic fields and intense infrared and terahertz radiation that enable pioneering scientific research to be carried out by both external and in-house user groups. HFML-FELIX currently comprises six research groups covering a broad research portfolio ranging from condensed matter science to biomolecular chemistry. In addition, HFML-FELIX has a strong programme in magnet technology and free-electron laser technology. HFML-FELIX is run jointly by Radboud University (RU) and the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I). Its research programme is embedded in the Faculty of Science of RU and is executed in close collaboration with the Faculty's Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM).



Radboud University


We want to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 24,000 students and 5,600 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent, collaboration and lifelong learning. You have a part to play!