Are you a highly-motivated researcher looking for a PhD position for performing state-of-the-art atomic physics experiments and developing quantum technology? Then we are looking for you.
The hybrid atom-ion quantum systems lab, headed by Dr. Rene Gerritsma, 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 www.hyqs.nl.
Join us!
Research focusWe are looking for a motivated PhD candidate for performing state-of-the-art atomic physics experiments and developing quantum technology. We will develop a new platform for quantum computing, based on qudits encoded in 173Yb+ ions. Yb+ ions are used in many groups around the world to construct quantum devices, but the isotope 173Yb+ has almost not been considered. With its large nuclear spin and forbidden transitions, it offers great opportunities to encode qudits. Quantum devices based on qudits encode quantum information in more than two levels. This increases the amount of quantum information per carrier and offers benefits when it comes to scaling the device and for algorithm efficiency as compared to qubits. We 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 qudits and use and characterize forbidden transitions for qudit state detection.
This is what you will doYou will perform scientific research in atomic quantum physics which involves setting up state-of-the-art electronic, optical and vacuum equipment. In addition, it will be required to perform data analysis and programming for experiment control. You will present your work in scientific publications and at conferences. Your work will result in the completion of a scientific thesis on the topic of trapped ion quantum computing and precision spectroscopy. You will work in a small team of other students and postdocs that are supervised by the PI. You will also act as a teaching assistant in a course at the University of Amsterdam and supervise master and bachelor students doing projects in the laboratory.
What we ask of you- at least 8 months of master project in experimental ultracold atom or trapped ion group;
- good team working skills;
- good English skills;
For MSCA PhD positions it is required that the applicant shall, at the date of recruitment, be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and have not been awarded a doctoral degree.
What we offer youA temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week ranges between € 3,059 to € 3,881 (Scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD candidate is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants.
The preferred starting date is 1 April 2026 or as soon as possible after that. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.
You will work in this teamThe 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 (VU) 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).
The hybrid quantum systems group is headed by Rene Gerritsma and is part of the Quantum Gases & Quantum Information cluster at the Institute of Physics (IoP) of the University of Amsterdam (UvA). The main focus of the group is the use of trapped ions for quantum technology and quantum chemistry.
How to applyIf you feel the profile fits you and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application by email to r.gerritsma@uva.nl and in addition by an online submission via the button below. We accept applications until and including 28.02.2026.
If you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
Rene Gerritsma, r.gerritsma@uva.nl.
Applications should include the following information (for the application through this website: all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file; for the application by email: simply describe everything except the CV in the email itself and attach your CV):
- a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
- a short letter of motivation;
- a link to your master thesis, if you already wrote it, or a short description of what it will contain;
- the name and email address of your master thesis supervisor or another reference who may provide a letter of recommendation.
A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure (for details: national knowledge security guidelines). Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.
#J-18808-Ljbffr€3059 - €3881 monthly