The organization
Nikhef is the national institute for subatomic physics in the Netherlands. At Nikhef, approximately 220 physicists and 75 technical staff work together in an open and international scientific environment. Together they perform theoretical and experimental research in the fields of particle and astroparticle physics. Nikhef is a partnership between six major Dutch universities and NWO-I Foundation, the Institutes Organization of the Dutch Research Council (NWO).
Among the research collaborations Nikhef participates in are the ALICE, ATLAS and LHCb experiments at CERN, the KM3NeT neutrino telescope in the Mediterranean, the Virgo gravitational waves interferometer in Pisa, the Xenon-nT dark matter experiment in Gran Sasso, the Pierre Auger cosmic ray observatory in Argentina, and the eEDM research programme in Groningen. There are also scientific groups on Theory, Physics Data Processing and Detector R&D. Nikhef avails over excellently equipped technical departments in mechanics, electronics and computing.
The Research Group
The postdoc will be based at Nikhef, and will work in the detector R&D group, which has strong bonds with the ATLAS, ALICE and LHCb experimental groups. The R&D group currently has 5 staff, 6 PhD students and 2 postdocs and is active in developing novel detector technologies for (astro-) particle physics and gravitational wave detectors. Nikhef has an excellent laboratory infrastructure, and the R&D group works in close collaboration with Nikhef’s mechanical, electronics, and software engineering departments to develop innovative instrumentation.
The position
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher specialising in TCAD simulations for sensor design and development on hybrid pixel detectors, with an emphasis on Low Gain Avalanche Detector (LGAD) technology. The work will also involve sensor characterisation in the lab and test beam campaigns. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of state-of-the-art pixel sensors and operate their readout ASICs, targeting the picosecond-level time resolution demanded by future LHC upgrades. The candidate has the option to co-supervise master or PhD students.
Project related activities include:
- Design and optimisation of pixel sensors based on LGAD technology, using TCAD and Monte Carlo simulation frameworks (e.g. Allpix Squared).
- Laboratory characterisation of detector prototypes using photons such as X-rays and laser setups, as well as IV/CV measurements and radioactive source tests, correlating results with simulation models.
- Active participation in test beam campaigns at facilities such as CERN, AGOR and DESY, including operation and analysis of experimental data.
Required Qualifications
- PhD (or nearing completion) in experimental (astro)particle physics, applied physics, or a closely related discipline.
- Experience with silicon detector development, including lab characterisation and test beam analysis.
- Solid programming skills in Python and ROOT/C++;
Preferred Experience
- Demonstrated expertise in TCAD device simulation for silicon sensor optimisation.
- Experience with detector characterisation using photon sources such as X-rays or lasers.
- Some experience with electronics associated with pixel detectors (e.g. readout systems, signal processing, or ASIC interfacing).
- Track record of peer-reviewed publications in instrumentation journals (NIMA, JINST).
- Project management skills and experience mentoring junior researchers.
- Experience with LGAD or other fast-timing silicon sensor technologies is a strong asset.
- Strong teamwork and communication skills.
- Familiarity with Monte Carlo simulation tools (Allpix Squared, Geant or equivalent).
Offer
The candidate will be employed by the NWO-I F[1] oundation at postdoctoral researcher level, with a competitive salary including extra months’ salary payment in May and December. The duration of this position is 24 months with the possibility of extending the contract depending on funding.
Full details of NWO-I employment conditions are available at https://www.nwo-i.nl/en/employees/.
How to Apply
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply by clicking the 'apply now' button below. Please be prepared to upload a curriculum vitae and have the email address of at least three referees ready who are willing to send a letter of recommendation on your behalf.
The application deadline is 30th June 2026. Later applications will be considered until the position is filled.
For further information, please contact: Dr. Kazu Akiba ([email protected]).
