Are you a highly-motivated researcher looking for a post doc for performing state-of-the-art atomic physics experiments and developing quantum technology? Then we are looking for you!
Working at the UvA
Join Us!
This position is based in the hybrid atom-ion quantum systems lab, headed by Dr. Rene Gerritsma and Dr. Robert Spreeuw. The lab is part of the Quantum Gases and Quantum Information (QGQI) cluster at the University of Amsterdam. The main focus of the group is to study the quantum dynamics in trapped ions, while at the same time developing technology for emerging quantum applications, such as quantum computing and simulation. More information on our research can be found on the webpage (http://hyqs.nl/).
- A good salary Your salary will be determined on the basis of your experience and seniority, in accordance with the Labour agreement. Your grading and therefore the amounts mentioned are based on full employment of 38 hours per week.
- 232 vacation hours We also offer parental leave, partner leave and social engagement leave. Through the Employment Conditions Menu Card, there are opportunities for even more vacation hours.
- Financial arrangements On top of your salary, you receive holiday allowance (8%) and a year-end bonus (8.3%). You build up a good pension with ABP. And in addition, we offer many other allowances and schemes.
- Career development and room for growth The UvA encourages you to continue to professionalise through training courses and open UvA lectures.
- Family matters Relocating to the Netherlands with your family? Find out about daycare, schooling, health insurance or employment options and support for your partner or spouse. Including the IDCN-network which provides support for your spouse through various training sessions, social activities, and networking events.
All About This Vacancy
This is what you will do
You will work in a team that develops a new platform for quantum computing, based on trapped ions in combination with optical tweezers. You will explore the use of tightly focused laser beams and their interaction with crystals of trapped ions to realize new ways to prepare and control qubits. We will make particular use of the so-called optical Magnus effect, an optical analogue of the well-known classical Magnus effect that is for instance applied in football, causing ball trajectories to curve. You will explore this phenomenon in trapped ions, and use it to implement state-of-the-art quantum gates. We will also explore the scalability of the scheme by designing ion traps based on integrated photonics for tweezer delivery. The team consists of 2 other PhD students as well as the PIs. Theory support will be supplied by the group of Dr. Arghavan Safavi-Naini of the Quantum Software research center. The work will involve setting up optics, lasers and electronics as well as programming and microfabrication.
Relevant references:
- M. Mazzanti et al., Phys. Rev. Research 5, 033036 (2023).
- R. J. C. Spreeuw, Phys. Rev. Lett. 125, 233201 (2020).
- M. Mazzanti et al., arXiv:2406.06721 (2024).
What We Ask Of You
- A PhD in experimental physics or physical chemistry and you are requested to motivate why you apply for the position and to supply a CV;
- Previous laboratory experience with either trapped ions or optical tweezers for cold atoms;
- Excellent communication skills (English);
- Scientific publications.
- To foster diversity in our research group, we will especially appreciate applications from female candidates.
This Is What We Offer You
We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 24 months. The preferred starting date is as soon as possible. The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between €3,546 to €5,538 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.
Your place at the UvA
You will work in this team
The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.
The Institute of Physics (IoP) of the Faculty of Science combines the Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute (WZI), the Institute of Theoretical Physics (ITFA) and the Institute for High Energy Physics (IHEF) and is one of the large research institutes of the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam. The mission of IoP is to carry out excellent research in the field of experimental and theoretical physics, to provide inspiring teaching within the physics and other curricula and to transfer our knowledge of and enthusiasm for physics to society. The IoP has over 50 faculty and 180 researchers in total. The combination with the NWO Institutes at Amsterdam Science Park constitutes the largest physics hub in the Netherlands and is an international centre of excellence. Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.
More About The UvA
The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.
Important to know
Your application & contact
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including
1 October 2025. If you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
- Dr Rene Gerritsma: r.gerritsma@uva.nl
- Dr Robert Spreeuw: r.j.c.spreeuw@uva.nl
Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):
- a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
- a letter of motivation;
- a list of publications;
- the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.
A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure (for details: national knowledge security guidelines).
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.