We are looking for a talented PhD student to join us on a new experimental
project at the Kernfysisch Versneller Instituut (KVI) in Groningen, The
Netherlands. Our new research group plans to investigate fundamental
symmetries and interactions through the study of ‘cold molecules’.
At the KVI we use precision techniques to study (radioactive) atoms and
ions, involving atomic and nuclear physics with theoretical support. A new
research activity that has very recently been started is the study of cold
neutral molecules. Cold molecules are molecules that we have complete
control over; not only their velocity, but also their internal state is very
well defined. As the ideal experiment one can think of a high-resolution
spectroscopic measurement on a sample of ultracold trapped molecules which
are all in the same quantum state. In this project we will construct the
required apparatus to achieve this goal, and aim towards a measurement of a
tiny predicted (yet until now unobserved) effect of parity violation in
molecules. For this application the cold molecule can be seen as a small
laboratory that is used as a magnifying glass to show the subtle effects of
the weak interaction.
The research field of cold molecules is currently highly active, with a
worldwide interdisciplinary effort to find the best way to produce cold and
dense samples of molecules. The motivation for the study of cold molecules
is diverse, ranging from precision measurements to cold controlled
chemistry. Our experiments are situated at a unique crossing point of
atomic, molecular and nuclear physics.
Contact
Information on the position can be obtained from Dr. Steven Hoekstra,
email S.Hoekstra@rug.nl or phone +31(0)50 3639713
Requirements
The ideal candidate has a broad interest, good understanding of physics and
is above all highly motivated to work with an enthusiastic team of
scientists on this challenging project.
Location
The Kernfysisch Versneller Instituut (KVI, Groningen, The Netherlands) is a
leading institute in the fields of fundamental and applied atomic and
subatomic physics. KVI is operated by the University of Groningen (RUG) and
the Dutch Research Foundation FOM.
Conditions of Employment
When fulfilling a PhD position at the FOM foundation, you will get the
status of junior scientist.
You will have an employee status and can participate in all the employee
benefits FOM offers. You will get a contract for 4 years. Your salary will
be up to a maximum of 2,457 euro gross per month.
You are supposed to have a thesis finished at the end of your four year term
with FOM.
A training programme is part of the agreement. You and your supervisor will
make up a plan for the additional education and supervising that you
specifically need. This plan also defines which teaching activities you will
be responsible (up to a maximum of 10% of your time).
Website
http://www.kvi.nl
http://www.kvi.nl/~shoekstra/