Postdoctoral Position in Quantum Sensing with Cold Atoms

Are you eager to work as a postdoc in the field of experimental quantum sensing with ultracold atoms, in the lively international research group of Profs. Philippe Bouyer and Florian Schreck?

Our research group focusses on harnessing the wave-like properties of cold atoms to realize new types of quantum sensors for fundamental physics, geoscience, and real-world applications such as position, navigation and timing. We have extensive experience developing state-of-the-art matter-wave interferometers for sensing accelerations, rotations, magnetic fields, and testing fundamental theories of gravity and electrodynamics.

We are looking for an experienced researcher to aid the development of a transportable inertial quantum sensor with cold atoms. This project included the development of a new experiment at UVA aiming at using advanced quantum control techniques to perform continuous atom interferometry. It also includes a collaboration between the Quantum Gas group at UVA, the University of New Brunswick in Canada, and quantum-tech companies Q-CTRL in Australia and the Quantum Valley Ideas Lab in Canada for the joint development of a transportable gravimeter. You will play a crucial role in developing metrology models for the inertial quantum sensor operation, and for building and assembling hardware components. You will have the opportunity to work for extended periods in Canada and interact directly with leading experts in academia and industry.

What are you going to do?

You will be working on:

• Developing a numerical model for the systematic effects in inertial quantum sensors based on optimally controlled light pulses for matter-wave manipulation. The model will be used to estimate the transportable quantum gravimeter accuracy under different conditions. For this, the candidate will work closely with our industry partner (Q-CTRL).
• Building and developing hardware components for the experiment at UVA and will lead the assembling of a specific optical bench dedicated for the New Brunswick experiment, in collaboration with the local start-up in Amsterdam.

You will also have a leadership role, mentoring graduate students in a laboratory setting, and will have the opportunity to write research papers and funding applications, present results at scientific conferences, and develop IP in the form of patents.

Your profile

You have:

• a PhD in physics*, preferably obtained within the last three (3) years;
• a strong background in experimental atomic or optical physics;
• a demonstrated ability to conduct independent research;
• strong written English and verbal communication skills;
• some background in cold atom physics is desired.

*Candidates must have completed all PhD requirements by the start date of the appointment.

Our offer

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 2 years. The preferred starting date is 1 October 2024.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,226 to € 5,090 (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.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

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 University of Amsterdam is located in the center of the Amsterdam Science Park. The IoP – as part of the Faculty of Science – is housed in a modern building with excellent labs and technical facilities. Surrounded by several national research institutes and with our partners at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the institute is part of a strong physics center of top international standing.