Assistant Professor in Physics: Quantum Metrology and Laser Applications

Updated: over 1 year ago
Deadline: ;

Are you a talented physicist in the field of Quantum Metrology and Laser Applications, and looking for a faculty position? Then Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam would like to get in contact with you!

Location: AMSTERDAM
FTE: 0.8 - 1


Job description

The Department of Physics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam   invites applications from researchers in experimental physics for an Assistant Professor position. We aim to hire a new assistant professor at the Quantum Metrology and Laser Applications (QMLA) section , which is part of LaserLaB , a multi-disciplinary institute within our Department.
The successful candidate will join the Department and will be embedded in a research unit comprising several principal investigators working within a common research theme. The candidate is expected to develop an independent and externally-funded research program and to foster collaborations nationally and internationally. Responsibilities also include teaching in the B.Sc. and M.Sc. programs. Women and others from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Profile of the assistant professor position in the QMLA group:

The focus of the QMLA section is ultraprecise laser measurements of narrow quantum-mechanical resonances in atoms and molecules. The aim is to search for small deviations from the Standard Model (e.g. deviations from predictions of QED theory or electron-EDM), which would be hints of new physics. This is typically performed at low energies using advanced laser-cooling and trapping methods. Moreover, techniques to control the quantum-mechanical state of the target and quantum-enhanced methods of detection are developed, like quantum-logic spectroscopy.
Within this focus, we are looking for candidates to develop a research line on ultra-precise frequency measurements (including atomic clocks) in atomic/molecular systems, and / or on advanced matter-control methods and quantum-enhanced detection methods in order to measure phenomena connected to fundamental physics at the atomic scale.

Your duties

  • develop an independent research program
  • teach in the Bachelor and Master programs in which our department is involved
  • supervise BSc and MSc students and PhD candidates
  • contribute to and write research grant proposals
  • contribute to management tasks in the department

Requirements
  • applicants must have a PhD in physics or a closely related field
  • postdoctoral experience with an outstanding record of published research
  • commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching
  • you have a basic University Teaching Qualification certificate (BKO), or are willing to obtain it in the near future
  • must have excellent communication skills and be fluent in English

What are we offering?

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. We offer a career track position at the level of Assistant Professor. A career plan to grow to the next function level will be made and formalized in a career track agreement. The initial appointment will be for a period of 18 months. 15 Months after the starting date, performance will be evaluated. After a successful evaluation permanent employment will be granted. Criteria for evaluation and promotion include success in research, funding, and education,  meeting the specific goals mutually agreed upon before the appointment.

The appointment is expected to begin in the fall of 2022.

On a full-time basis the remuneration amounts to a minimum gross monthly salary of € 3974,= (scale 11) and a maximum of € 6181,= (scale 12), depending on your education and experience. The job profile Assistant Professor (Universitair docent) is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 0.8 FTE.
The Collective Labor Agreement (CAO) of the Dutch Universities is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the 30% ruling, may apply to non-Dutch applicants.

Additionally, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

  • a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
  • 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
  • solid pension scheme (ABP)
  • contribution to commuting expenses
  • optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

About Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 30,000 students. We employ over 5,500 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to more than 11,000 students.

About the department
The  Department of Physics and Astronomy offers an active and engaged intellectual community composed of researchers from around the world. Research is focused on four themes: (i) high-energy and gravitational physics, (ii) quantum metrology and laser applications, (iii) physics of life and health, and (iv) physics of photosynthesis and energy. The department is involved in teaching in the programs Physics and Astronomy (joint degree with the University of Amsterdam), Science Business and Innovation, Medical Natural Sciences (all three BSc and MSc), and the BSc program in Mechanical Engineering together with University of Twente. Furthermore, the department has a strong track record in valorisation of its research, including translational research to the clinic (often together with VUmc hospital on the same campus), collaborations with industry (e.g. ARCNL), a thriving start-up scene.


Application

Are you interested in this position? To apply please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae including a list of publications, research and teaching statements. Please also arrange for three letters of reference to be either added to your application package or to be sent to [email protected]   with “Last Name and QMLA search” in the subject line. The application deadline is September 4th, 2022.

Vacancy questions
Informal enquiries about this position are welcomed and can be addressed to:

Name: Professor dr. Kjeld S.E. Eikema
E-mail:  [email protected]
and
Name: Professor dr. Hendrick L. Bethlem
E-mail: [email protected]

Interviews with exceptional candidates may be scheduled before the deadline and we therefore encourage you to apply early.

Relocation support       
If you have any questions regarding moving to Amsterdam, and working at VU Amsterdam, you may contact our relocation officer:
Name:                   Sara Veldhorst
Position:               Relocation Advisor
E-mail:                  [email protected]
Telephone:           +31 (20) 59 86212


Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.

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