PhD position in theoretical particle physics

PhD position in theoretical particle physics

Working at the UvA

Join Us!

We are seeking a PhD candidate under the supervision of Jordy de Vries who focusses on precision calculation for low energy searches for beyond the Standard Model physics.

Working at the UvA

Join Us!

We are seeking a PhD candidate under the supervision of Jordy de Vries who focusses on precision calculation for low energy searches for beyond the Standard Model physics.

All about this vacancy

This is what you will do

You will investigate the role of radiative corrections in beta-decay processes, new methods to better understand neutrinofull and neutrinoless double beta decay, and a novel theoretical framework for electric dipole moments. The project is part of an ERC grant and will be team-based and collaboration with other group members is expected. You will have the opportunity to (co-)supervise Bachelor and Master students.

What we ask of you

  • We are looking for someone with a MSc degree (or close to obtaining one) in theoretical (particle) physics;
  •  an interest in precision calculations for precision experiments in particle physics;
  • You are a collaborative researcher who is interested in helping the supervision of Bachelor and Master students;
  • You have a professional command of spoken and written English;

It is a preference if you additionally have experience in quantum field theory and effective field theory.

This is what we offer you

We offer a 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 September 1, 2026. This employment 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.

All about this vacancy

This is what you will do

You will investigate the role of radiative corrections in beta-decay processes, new methods to better understand neutrinofull and neutrinoless double beta decay, and a novel theoretical framework for electric dipole moments. The project is part of an ERC grant and will be team-based and collaboration with other group members is expected. You will have the opportunity to (co-)supervise Bachelor and Master students.

What we ask of you

  • We are looking for someone with a MSc degree (or close to obtaining one) in theoretical (particle) physics;
  •  an interest in precision calculations for precision experiments in particle physics;
  • You are a collaborative researcher who is interested in helping the supervision of Bachelor and Master students;
  • You have a professional command of spoken and written English;

It is a preference if you additionally have experience in quantum field theory and effective field theory.

This is what we offer you

We offer a 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 September 1, 2026. This employment 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.

Your place at the UvA

You will work in this team

The 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 faculty members working on theoretical particle physics at the Institute of Physics of the University of Amsterdam are Eric Laenen (Phenomenology of the Standard Model, especially Quantum Chromodynamics), Jordy de Vries (Beyond-the-Standard Model, effective field theories, fundamental symmetries, neutrinos) and Wouter Waalewijn (Higgs and jet physics, effective field theories, factorization and resummation).

The Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITFA) covers many other areas and there is a large research group working on gravitation and astroparticle physics: the GRAPPA institute. Naturally there are strong links with Nikhef, which is the national laboratory for particle and astroparticle physics research), and is across the street from the University of Amsterdam. Nikhef has both theory and experimental groups (including ATLAS, LHCb, ALICE, Xenon, and NL-eEDM), and there are many opportunities to interact. The research of the Nikhef theory group include higher-order calculations and jet physics in perturbative Quantum Chromodynamics, parton distribution functions, flavour and neutrino physics, effective field theories, precision tests of the Standard Model, cosmology and gravitational waves.

Do you want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

More about the UvA

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

You will work in this team

The 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 faculty members working on theoretical particle physics at the Institute of Physics of the University of Amsterdam are Eric Laenen (Phenomenology of the Standard Model, especially Quantum Chromodynamics), Jordy de Vries (Beyond-the-Standard Model, effective field theories, fundamental symmetries, neutrinos) and Wouter Waalewijn (Higgs and jet physics, effective field theories, factorization and resummation).

The Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITFA) covers many other areas and there is a large research group working on gravitation and astroparticle physics: the GRAPPA institute. Naturally there are strong links with Nikhef, which is the national laboratory for particle and astroparticle physics research), and is across the street from the University of Amsterdam. Nikhef has both theory and experimental groups (including ATLAS, LHCb, ALICE, Xenon, and NL-eEDM), and there are many opportunities to interact. The research of the Nikhef theory group include higher-order calculations and jet physics in perturbative Quantum Chromodynamics, parton distribution functions, flavour and neutrino physics, effective field theories, precision tests of the Standard Model, cosmology and gravitational waves.

Do you want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

More about the UvA

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application via this Link. Applications are accepted exclusively through PhD position in theoretical particle physics – Jobs accepts applications until and including April 3, 2026. Applications submitted by email or through other portals will NOT be considered.

If you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

Jordy de Vries, Associate Professor, [email protected]

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

  • a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
  • a letter of motivation;
  • a brief research statement (2 pages max)
  • the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

The UvA attaches great importance to the contribution of female scientists in research and education. We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, even if you don't meet every requirement. We particularly encourage women and candidates from other under-represented groups to apply.

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.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application via this Link. Applications are accepted exclusively through PhD position in theoretical particle physics – Jobs accepts applications until and including April 3, 2026. Applications submitted by email or through other portals will NOT be considered.

If you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

Jordy de Vries, Associate Professor, [email protected]

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

  • a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
  • a letter of motivation;
  • a brief research statement (2 pages max)
  • the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

The UvA attaches great importance to the contribution of female scientists in research and education. We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, even if you don't meet every requirement. We particularly encourage women and candidates from other under-represented groups to apply.

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.

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.

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