PhD Position on Quantum Simulation with RbSr Ground-state Molecules

PhD Position on Quantum Simulation with RbSr Ground-state Molecules

Working at the UvA

Join us!

This PhD position is part of the Gen-Q programme, which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement number 101217386. You will participate in network meetings across Europe, where you will learn about quantum technology from experts in the field and train essential skills, such as academic writing and outreach. You will participate in a summer school and regular consortium meetings with the other PhDs. You will spend time in the lab of a consortium partner.

Working at the UvA

Join us!

This PhD position is part of the Gen-Q programme, which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement number 101217386. You will participate in network meetings across Europe, where you will learn about quantum technology from experts in the field and train essential skills, such as academic writing and outreach. You will participate in a summer school and regular consortium meetings with the other PhDs. You will spend time in the lab of a consortium partner.

All about this vacancy

This is what you will do

With this project, you will join a team of experimental quantum physicists at the Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute of the University of Amsterdam. We are using ultracold atoms and trapped ions as a means to investigate and utilize fascinating phenomena in quantum physics. We are  particularly interested in developing novel platforms for quantum information science, quantum many-body physics, quantum sensing, and optical atomic clocks.
When atoms are cooled to nanokelvin temperatures, their quantum-mechanical wave properties become evident. At densities where their de-Broglie wavelengths overlap, a quantum-degenerate gas is formed, either a Bose-Einstein condensate (for bosons) or a degenerate Fermi gas (for fermions). At the University of Amsterdam we are exploring a unique mixture of atomic species, namely Rb and Sr. The long-standing goal is to bring these species together and form RbSr molecules. A key milestone in this regard was the discovery and characterization of so-called Feshbach resonances in this mixture [Nat.Phys 14, 881 (2018)]. Since then, we have developed several key insights and new tools, see Rev.Sci.Instr. 94, 073202 (2023) and the recent PhD thesis of Premjith Thekkeppatt

Your goals will be to explore the opportunities that we have identified in the RbSr mixture. We will employ the recently demonstrated stabilization of the 87Rb-87Sr (Bose-Fermi) resonantly interacting mixture under confinement in an optical lattice. We will study the effects of further reduction in dimensionality by additional optical trapping in the form of optical lattices and/or optical tweezers. We have developed a high-resolution multi-wavelength objective that will be used to achieve better sensitivity for both species. We aim to create weakly bound RbSr molecules through the use of confinement-induced resonance. From there, we will be able to create ground-state molecules by optical adiabatic state-transfer techniques. Another avenue we will explore is the physics of strongly interacting Bose-Fermi mixtures in our system.
This project is embedded in the ultracold atom part of the  QDNL programme, and will allow you to learn about many interesting projects related to your PhD, in particular those of the strontium BEC group and of the hybrid atom-ion group. Your PhD project will profit from synergy with all these activities.

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;
  • experience with at least a few of the following: experimental work with optics, lasers, electronics, experiment control software;
  • some experience with data analysis;
  • strong letter of recommendation from master project supervisor;
  • Beneficial skill: programming, including some languages of the following list: C, C++, Python, Matlab, Mathematica. Programming skills will be used to build experiment control systems, data analysis systems, and to perform numerical simulations of experiments.

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. The applicant must not have resided or carried out her/his main activity (e.g. work or studies) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the three years immediately prior the recruitment date.

This is what we offer you

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 preferred starting date is 1 October 2025 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.

All about this vacancy

This is what you will do

With this project, you will join a team of experimental quantum physicists at the Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute of the University of Amsterdam. We are using ultracold atoms and trapped ions as a means to investigate and utilize fascinating phenomena in quantum physics. We are  particularly interested in developing novel platforms for quantum information science, quantum many-body physics, quantum sensing, and optical atomic clocks.
When atoms are cooled to nanokelvin temperatures, their quantum-mechanical wave properties become evident. At densities where their de-Broglie wavelengths overlap, a quantum-degenerate gas is formed, either a Bose-Einstein condensate (for bosons) or a degenerate Fermi gas (for fermions). At the University of Amsterdam we are exploring a unique mixture of atomic species, namely Rb and Sr. The long-standing goal is to bring these species together and form RbSr molecules. A key milestone in this regard was the discovery and characterization of so-called Feshbach resonances in this mixture [Nat.Phys 14, 881 (2018)]. Since then, we have developed several key insights and new tools, see Rev.Sci.Instr. 94, 073202 (2023) and the recent PhD thesis of Premjith Thekkeppatt

Your goals will be to explore the opportunities that we have identified in the RbSr mixture. We will employ the recently demonstrated stabilization of the 87Rb-87Sr (Bose-Fermi) resonantly interacting mixture under confinement in an optical lattice. We will study the effects of further reduction in dimensionality by additional optical trapping in the form of optical lattices and/or optical tweezers. We have developed a high-resolution multi-wavelength objective that will be used to achieve better sensitivity for both species. We aim to create weakly bound RbSr molecules through the use of confinement-induced resonance. From there, we will be able to create ground-state molecules by optical adiabatic state-transfer techniques. Another avenue we will explore is the physics of strongly interacting Bose-Fermi mixtures in our system.
This project is embedded in the ultracold atom part of the  QDNL programme, and will allow you to learn about many interesting projects related to your PhD, in particular those of the strontium BEC group and of the hybrid atom-ion group. Your PhD project will profit from synergy with all these activities.

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;
  • experience with at least a few of the following: experimental work with optics, lasers, electronics, experiment control software;
  • some experience with data analysis;
  • strong letter of recommendation from master project supervisor;
  • Beneficial skill: programming, including some languages of the following list: C, C++, Python, Matlab, Mathematica. Programming skills will be used to build experiment control systems, data analysis systems, and to perform numerical simulations of experiments.

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. The applicant must not have resided or carried out her/his main activity (e.g. work or studies) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the three years immediately prior the recruitment date.

This is what we offer you

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 preferred starting date is 1 October 2025 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.

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 strontium quantum gases group is headed by Prof. Florian Schreck 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 ultracold Sr gases for novel precision measurement techniques and the study of many-body physics.

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 strontium quantum gases group is headed by Prof. Florian Schreck 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 ultracold Sr gases for novel precision measurement techniques and the study of many-body physics.

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 by email to [email protected] and f.[email protected] and in addition by an online submission via the button below. We accept applications until and including 24.8.2025.

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

Florian Schreck, f.[email protected]

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 can provide a letter of recommendation.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure. (for details: national knowledge security guidelines)

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.

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 by email to [email protected] and f.[email protected] and in addition by an online submission via the button below. We accept applications until and including 24.8.2025.

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

Florian Schreck, f.[email protected]

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 can provide a letter of recommendation.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure. (for details: national knowledge security guidelines)

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.

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