PhD position - Experimental physics/Mass measurements for nuclear astrophysics

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student in experimental physics with an interest in studying the properties of exotic nuclei relevant for nuclear astrophysics.

As a successful candidate you will work in the group of Prof. Julia Even at the van Swinderen Institute for Particle Physics and Gravity within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. You will be an active member of the interdisciplinary Dutch consortium “Probing the phase diagram of quantum chromodynamics”, which includes collaborators at Utrecht University (Prof. v.d. Broek) Dr. Christakoglou, Dr. Gürsoy, Dr. Hinderer, and Prof. Snellings), and the University of Amsterdam (Dr. Mösta, Dr. Nissanke, and Prof. Watts). In this ambitious project, you will perform precision mass measurements of neutron-rich nuclei to verify nuclear mass models and investigate their impact on the modelling of astrophysical processes. This project requires a passion for work in the laboratory and precision measurements as well as data analysis. Furthermore, you will interpret the data and discuss with colleagues from theoretical nuclear astrophysics.

Organisation
Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative institution of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programmes and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 36,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global centre of knowledge.

As a candidate you are expected to have, or to be in the final stage of an MSc degree in Physics or related field. You should bring work experience in a physics laboratory. Excellent communications skills in English, scientific writing skills as well as the ability to work in an international, multidisciplinary environment are essential.

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

• a salary of € 2,541 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,247 gross per month in the fourth and final year for a full-time working week
• a full-time position (1.0 FTE) for 4 years
• a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income
• an 8.3% year-end bonus
• a position for four years; first, you will get a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years; prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the contract period is to be expected
• a PhD training programme is part of the agreement and you will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering.

For information you can contact:

Julia Even,   [email protected]

(please do not use the email addresses above for applications)