The gravitational physics group at Nikhef in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in gravitational wave data analysis and phenomenology.
Nikhef is the national institute for subatomic physics in the Netherlands with about 240 employees: 145 physicists, 75 engineers / technicians and 20 employees for general support. Based in Amsterdam, it is a collaboration between four universities and the funding agency FOM. It coordinates and supports major Dutch activities in experimental subatomic physics, with strong involvement in projects at CERN as well as various astroparticle physics observatories, and gravitational-wave physics. In addition it has a theory department.
The gravitational physics group is a member of the Virgo Collaboration, is active in the LISA effort, and plays an important role in the Einstein Telescope design study. It is led by prof.dr. J.F.J. van den Brand. Other than 6 staff instrumentalists, the Nikhef group and its collaborators in the Netherlands consists of data analysts (C. Van Den Broeck and H.J. Bulten), astronomers and astrophysicists (J. Kuijpers, G. Nelemans), and theorists (J.W. van Holten and M. Postma), together with a number of students and postdocs. There is also vibrant collaboration with individuals and groups around the world. The Nikhef group itself will expand significantly over the next several years. More information about our activities can be found at http://www.nikhef.nl/en/for-nikhef-users/departments/scientific-departments/gw/.
The successful candidate will (i) participate in analysis of S6/VSR2 data, in the context of compact binary coalescence, and/or (ii) help prepare for scientific opportunities with Advanced LIGO and Virgo as well as third generation instruments on the ground and in space (Einstein Telescope and LISA). The position is for 2 years initially and extendable by an additional year.
Applicants should expect to have their PhD by September 2010. They should send a C.V., list of publications, and a brief statement of research interests, preferably by e-mail before February 1st, 2010 to dr. C. Van Den Broeck (vdbroeck[At]nikhef.nl), with a c.c. to T. van Egdom (pz[AT]nikhef.nl). Please also arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent to these addresses. Applications may also be sent by regular mail to: Nikhef Personnel Department, P.O. Box 41882, NL-1009 DB Amsterdam. Please quote vacancy nr: 091139.
Informal inquiries can be made with dr. C. Van Den Broeck (vdbroeck[AT]nikhef.nl).