Research technician in experimental physics (1.0 FTE)

Department

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Organisation

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, University of Groningen, V25.0390

Job description

Do you have a passion for solving technical challenges and do you have a keen interest in advancing experimental physics instrumentation? Do you have a hands-on attitude and the drive to solve technical challenges? Do you thrive in a team? The Van Swinderen Institute for Particle Physics and Gravity at the University of Groningen is looking for a research technician to support its experimental physics research and instrumentation development.

In this position, you will play a key part in the design, construction and operation of experimental apparatus. Working within a team of scientists and technicians and coordinating with national partners, your contributions will directly support the institute’s cutting-edge research in experimental physics.

Why would you want this job?

1. Impactful research and innovation: Contribute to the development of state-of-the-art physics instrumentation.
2. Team science: Work alongside the experts in the field in a collaborative and international team of scientists, ranging from group leaders to PhD candidates and students.
3. Mix of practical and conceptual work: The variety of tasks makes this a very dynamic job.
4. Room for development: We are looking for eager learners. We offer ample room for you to acquire more knowledge and develop new skills and techniques.

As a research technician, your key responsibilities will be:

- Designing and constructing experimental apparatus, including testing and refinement.
- Supporting research group members in the use of suitable equipment and techniques.
- Coordinating the purchase, maintenance and upgrading of scientific equipment and lab materials.
- Staying updated with technological advancements.
- Serving as a contact between the research group and the technical workshops at Nikhef, UG and companies.

Where you will work
The University of Groningen is a research university with a global outlook, deeply rooted in Groningen, city of talent. Quality has had top priority for over four hundred years, and with success: the university is currently in the top 100 of several influential ranking lists. The position will be embedded within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, which hosts 10 research institutes and offers education over a range of topics to approximately 7200 students.

The vacancy is for a research technician to join the Precision Frontier of the Van Swinderen Institute for Particle Physics and Gravity (VSI). This research team focuses on the search for new physics through precision experiments in atomic, molecular and nuclear systems. Experimental efforts often involve laser spectroscopy and ultra-high vacuum setups that are developed in the research group. The main focus of the Precision Frontier is the search for the electric dipole moment of the electron (eEDM) using cold and slow samples of molecules, which is operated on a national level as one of the NIkhef research programmes. In addition, ion manipulation and trapping techniques are applied to study exotic atomic nuclei as well as antihydrogen.

The Precision Frontier is one of three frontiers in the VSI, together with the Cosmic and High-Energy Frontiers. All frontiers combine theory and experiment. The VSI is a university partner of Nikhef, the Dutch National Institute for Subatomic Physics.

Requirements

We are looking for a research technician who

- Holds a degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Process Engineering, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering or similar from a university or a university of applied sciences.
- Has a team-work attitude and strong social and technical communication skills.
- Is fluent in English and Dutch.
- Has a drive to create high-precision experimental physics instrumentation

We are open to applicants within a wide range of experience. Ideally, you can demonstrate the ability to learn and have experience in several of the following areas:

- Technical problem-solving
- Coordination of tasks in a complex environment
- Genuine interest in engaging with students
- Working in an environment with people from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds
- Development of technical equipment
- Coordinating with manufacturing companies
- Technical skills such as CAD, technical drawing, basic programming, data plotting and basic analysis, PCB design, ultra-high vacuum, use of a lathe.

Conditions of employment

Contract length: 12 months.

We offer an attractive job with variation in tasks within a vibrant, stimulating and international research institute. We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities


- A salary of at least € 3,378 gross per month to a maximum of € 5,331 gross per month (scale 10), based on full-time employment and depending on relevant experience and qualifications.
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus based on annual gross income.
- Temporary employment of 1.0 FTE for a period of one year, with the prospect of a permanent contract.
- Based on a 38-hour work week (full-time), you will receive 232 annual leave hours. It is possible to choose a 36- or 40-hour work week. If you choose a 40-hour work week, you accumulate an additional 96 hours of annual leave. If you opt for a 36-hour work week, you will lose 96 leave hours per year.
- A good pension plan with the ABP pension fund.

Job Application

You may apply for this position until 30 September 11.59 pm Dutch local time (CEST), so before 1 October 2025 by means of the electronic application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website). The University of Groningen values social safety. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and identities. For more information, see our page on our diversity policy (https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/policy-and-strategy/diversity-and-inclusion/) Our selection process follows the guidelines of the NVP Job Application Code (https://www.nvp-hrnetwerk.nl/nl/sollicitatiecode) Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.

Additional information

For additional information, please contact:

Prof. S. (Steven) Hoekstra, Research group leader
[email protected]

In your application, please always include the job opening ID V25.0390

Digital application form