Assistant Professor in Theoretical High Energy Physics

Are you a high-energy theoretical physicist? Do you want to contribute to cutting-edge research and inspire the next generation of scientists? Then we look forward to welcoming you to the Department of Physics at Utrecht University.

Your job
The Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITP) at Utrecht University is looking to appoint a committed and driven assistant professor in Theoretical High Energy Physics, in the research focus area of the ITP: String Theory, Cosmology and Particle Physics. In this role, you will not only strengthen the research portfolio of the ITP but also contribute to the teaching of (theoretical) physics at BSc, MSc, and PhD-level.

You will develop an independent research line based on your strong and proven expertise in the field. This means conducting excellent research, publishing in academic open-access journals, and actively pursuing research funding. You recognize opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations and build new research collaborations, both within and beyond our institute, such as with the ITP research focus area on Condensed-Matter Theory, Statistical and Computational Physics, the Institute for Gravitational and Subatomic Physics, or the Mathematical Institute at Utrecht University. You work closely together with your colleagues and create an open, encouraging, and team-oriented work environment when building your group.

You inspire our students through engaging and innovative lectures in our Bachelor's and Master's programmes and support them through supervising their thesis. You actively contribute to shaping and improving our courses and education programmes. In addition, you have a visible presence in your field by engaging in society through impactful activities.

The position offered is at the level of Assistant Professor. The starting date we envisage is September 1, 2026.

Ideally, your eligibility is exemplified by the following:

• a PhD in Theoretical High Energy Physics;
• enthusiasm for innovative teaching and student supervision in the Bachelor Natuur- en Sterrenkunde and Theoretical Physics Master programmes;
• aspiration for supervising master thesis projects related to Quantum Field Theory and Particle Physics, General Relativity, String Theory and Holography;
• commitment to obtain the University Teaching Qualification if you do not yet have it;
• a track record of international publications;
• high potential for the acquisition of external research funds;
• readiness to supervise future PhD candidates and postdocs;
• demonstrated teamwork and communication skills within the local organisation, and in (inter-)national scientific and societal communities.

• a position for 18 months, with the prospect of permanent employment following a positive assessment;
• a fulltime working week of 38 hours (1.0 FTE) and a gross monthly salary ranging between €4,728 to €7,297 (salary scale 11-12 -level of Assistant Professor- under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

Working at the Faculty of Science means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community.

The Department of Physics has a long history of excellence in Physics research and education. Today, we consist of about fifty tenured staff who excel in research on topics such as String Theory, Cosmology, Quantum- and Soft- Condensed Matter, Biophysics, High-Energy Physics, Nanophotonics and Climate Physics. Around 170 Bachelor's students and about 80 Master's students start each year in the broad BSc programme and the three MSc programmes Theoretical Physics, Experimental Physics, and Climate Physics.

The Institute for Theoretical Physics is one of the four research institutes within the Department of Physics and its research is organized in two themes: String Theory, Cosmology and Particle Physics, and Condensed-Matter Theory, Statistical and Computational Physics. We have a long tradition of strong research on high energy theory and there is much demand for master thesis projects on topics related to black holes, holography, and string theory.

For more information, please contact Professor Stefan Vandoren via s.j.g.vandoren@uu.nl.

Do you have any questions about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl.

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