Postdoc for the Einstein Telescope

Among the research collaborations Nikhef participates in are the ALICE, ATLAS and LHCb experiments at CERN, the KM3NeT neutrino telescope in the Mediterranean, the Virgo gravitational waves interferometer in Pisa, the Xenon-nT dark matter experiment in Gran Sasso, the Pierre Auger cosmic ray observatory in Argentina, and the eEDM research programme in Groningen. There are also scientific groups on Theory, Physics Data Processing and Detector R&D. Nikhef avails over excellently equipped technical departments in mechanics, electronics and computing.

The position

The Einstein Telescope (ET) aims to extend the lower limit of its detection band to about 3 Hz by employing cryogenic cooling of its test masses. This reduces coating and suspension thermal noise and lowers low-frequency motion below 1 Hz, thereby reducing scattered light effects. You will develop techniques to reduce low-frequency vibrations throughout the ET suspension chain, including systems operating at cryogenic temperatures.

Within two different projects to which you can contribute, several knowledge institutes—namely Nikhef, Leiden University, Delft University of Technology, and the Dutch space research institute SRON—have partnered with several industrial collaborators to develop (cryogenic) vibration isolation, sensing, and actuation instrumentation.

The gravitational-wave research group at Nikhef invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position within the Dutch National Growth Fund projects.

What are you going to do?

Depending on your interests, the position can focus on a number of topics. Possible topics include:

• Simulation and design of superconducting coils
• Active vibration isolation for cryogenic cooling lines
• Interferometric inertial sensor readout development
• Research in (cryogenic) vibration isolation instrumentation

As this project is a collaboration between knowledge institutes and several industrial partners, you will :

• Communicate and collaborate with our (industrial) partners
• Help with the supervision of a PhD student stationed at Leiden University

You will work at the National institute for subatomic physics Nikhef (www.nikhef.nl), an open, diverse organisation with an international focus and a strong technical slant. About 220 physicists and 80 engineers and technicians daily shape the Dutch participation in international experiments in particle physics, e.g. at CERN, and astroparticle physics, such as cosmic rays and gravitational waves. This makes Nikhef a vibrant astro-particle physics research community. Nikhef has advanced workshops (mechanics and electronics) and several clean rooms.

Nikhef is a collaboration between the Dutch Research Council (NWO), University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Radboud University, University of Groningen, Maastricht University and Utrecht University. The Amsterdam gravitational-wave group has broad expertise including in (active) seismic attenuation, inertial and position sensor development, interferometer simulation, computing and data analysis. The gravitational-wave research within Nikhef is also conducted in Utrecht (data analysis) and Maastricht, where Maastricht hosts the ETpathfinder research facility. Our group is involved in the worldwide effort of advancing gravitational-wave instrumentation, which will give you opportunities to engage with researchers all around the world.

E-meet your supervisor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDiy-VbqB-c

Your profile

You have

• a PhD degree in Physics or a closely related field.
• professional command of English
• excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a large, international collaboration

Experience in gravitational-wave instrumentation, cryogenics, vibration isolation and/or superconductivity is appreciated.

Offer

The candidate will be employed by the NWO-I foundation for a period of two years and will obtain the status of postdoctoral researcher. They will be based at the Nikhef institute in Amsterdam. The conditions of employment are excellent and include extra months’ salary payment in May and December. The conditions of employment of the NWO-I-foundation can be found at https://www.nwo-i.nl/en/employees/

How to apply?

While the deadline for application is set to Sunday 22 February 2026 18:00 CEST, the position can be filled earlier in case a good candidate is found. Applications should include the following information (all files should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• a curriculum vitae
• a personal motivation letter (max. one A4)
• a list of publications;
• the names and email addresses of at least two references who can provide letters of recommendation (will be contacted when shortlisted).

Please apply by clicking the 'solliciteer' button below.

Any questions regarding this position can be directed to Joris van Heijningen (j.v.van.heijningen@vu.nl).

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.