PhD Position: Experimental Astroparticle Physics

The most energetic particles in the universe are ultra-high-energy cosmic rays, subatomic particles with measured energies up to 1020 eV. To address major questions about their nature, origin and interaction, the Pierre Auger Observatory, the world’s largest observatory, has been upgraded. You will enhance the performance and analyse the data of the 1600 recently installed radio antennas.

We invite applications for a PhD position in high-energy astroparticle physics within the Pierre Auger collaboration at Radboud University (Nijmegen, Netherlands).

The Pierre Auger Observatory is the largest detector ever built to study ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. Situated in Malargüe (Argentina), its 3,000 km2 array of detectors has just undergone an upgrade, including the deployment of additional particle detectors as well as antennas measuring the radio-frequency emission from air showers. This will enhance the capabilities of the observatory to determine the nature of the highest-energy particles ever observed and potentially measure with unprecedented precision the interactions caused in the atmosphere.

You will contribute by developing and testing a new analysis technique to reconstruct air shower parameters by applying interferometry on the measured radio signals. To make this work, clock synchronisation will be set up at the Pierre Auger Observatory, and the locations of detectors in the field will be accurately surveyed. With the improved data, you will work on determining the cosmic-ray composition at the highest energies. In these tasks the PhD candidates will be supported by and build on our group’s strong expertise in signal reconstruction and data analysis for radio detectors. Some teaching will also be required, involving 10% of your working time.

Profile

• You have an MSc degree in physics/astronomy, with good results.
• You have a good command of English.
• Previous experience in data analysis and scientific computing is an advantage.

We are

The position will be based in the High Energy Physics Department of the Institute for Mathematics, Astrophysics and Particle Physics (IMAPP). The department consists of 15 staff scientists and about 30 PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers, performing cutting-edge theoretical and experimental research in particle physics and quantum gravity. Besides our participation in the Pierre Auger Collaboration, we are also involved in other experiments such as ATLAS at CERN, DUNE, GRAND and SWGO. We maintain close collaborations with theoreticians and our colleagues in the Astrophysics and Mathematics departments. Radboud University is one of the founding partners of Nikhef, the national institute for subatomic physics, which coordinates the particle and astroparticle physics activities in the Netherlands.

This position is funded from an ERC-CoG grant and you will be part of a team that will work on developing the radio interferometry technique for air shower observations.

Radboud University

At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.

We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.

Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).
• You will receive a starting salary of €2,901 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,707 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 daysof annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.