Job Overview

Research Assistant Quantum Materials at the van der Waals-Zeeman Institute

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 international standing.

The Van der Waals – Zeeman Institute for Experimental Physics (IoP-WZI) is part of the IoP and home to three research clusters: Quantum Gases & Quantum Information (QG&QI), Quantum Materials (QMat), and Soft Matter (SM). Our research focuses on the emergent properties of complex matter both in a quantum and classical physics setting.

We are reinforcing our research support and are currently looking for a research assistant to contribute to the QMat cluster.

This is one of the three full-time research assistant positions with opportunities for permanent employment, and further personal on-the-job training and development. The successful applicant will help to maintain the excellent quality of our interdisciplinary, experimental research by providing continuity and expertise at a high level in our diverse laboratories.

In this role, you will participate in research projects in the groups of the QMat cluster. While the group leaders in the QMat cluster are responsible for supervision of PhD candidates and postdocs as well as acquisition of external funding and project management, you will become an authority in one or more of the given key areas below, and an all-rounder in others.

What are you going to do?

Your task areas include:

• construction, support, adaptation and validation of laboratory equipment and software packages. This will include the operation and maintenance of the QMat’s crystal-growth facilities (arc melting zone furnace, high-temperature box furnaces, floating zone furnaces), low-temperature transport and spectroscopy equipment;
• hands-on user support and instruction in the laboratory activities carried out by group members from the QMat cluster. This may include an advisory and/or expert role in areas such as materials preparation and analytical methods, laser systems and ultra-high vacuum technology and implementation of related safety guidelines;
• coordination with our machine and electronics workshops and/or external cleanroom facilities;
• procurement of laboratory consumables, spare parts, etc.

What do we require?

We are looking for you if you have:

• a Master’s degree (or higher) in physics, chemistry or materials science;
• demonstrable experience in one or more of the following: high-temperature inorganic crystal growth (oxides, chalcogenides, intermetallics), solid-state spectroscopy, low-temperature and/or optical physics, interest in life-long learning via on-the-job training;
• enthusiasm for laboratory work and solving technical problems, a pro-active personality with a true troubleshooter mentality;
• knowledge of and experience with automation and laboratory management (preferred).

Furthermore, you enjoy sharing your knowledge and expertise with our diverse community of students and early-career researchers, as well as participating in public outreach activities such as open days. You feel at home in scientific group meetings and seminars and enjoy acting as effective sparring partner, supporting young researchers with creative advice and hands-on support in their experiments.

Science is international, and so is our institute. Therefore, excellent command of spoken and written English is a must. We are happy to facilitate your learning of Dutch, as appropriate.

Our offer

You will start on a one-year contract, with the possibility of transition to a permanent appointment at the end of this period.

Depending on experience, the gross monthly salary will range from €2,846 to €4,490 (university pay scales 9 or 10). For an exceptionally experienced candidate, appointment in salary scale 11 is negotiable. The salary is supplemented with an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities applies.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look here.

Questions?

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organisation? Please contact:

• Dr Erik van Heumen, associate professor) or
• Dr Joost van Mameren, institute manager

About us

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 7,000, as well as 1,600 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.

Job application

You may apply using the link below. All applications should include a cover letter in which you briefly introduce yourself. Give an explicit and well-motivated description of why you fit the profile provided above, also provide the names and contact details of 2-3 references. Of course, we would like to receive your CV.

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 28 February 2022, but applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis.

Applications in pdf should include:

• CV (please do not include full publications; Links to publications in your CV are appreciated);
• cover letter where you will briefly present yourself. Give an explicit and well-motivated description of why you fit the profile provided in the vacancy text;
• two contact points for a reference letter.

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