Two PhD positions in the ATLAS group (Higgs Boson Potential, Machine Learning, Experimental Particle Physics)

The University of Amsterdam, in partnership with Nikhef—the National Institute for Subatomic Physics in the Netherlands—is offering two fully funded PhD positions embedded in the ATLAS group. Nikhef is a leading center for particle and astroparticle physics, collaborating on major international experiments such as ATLAS, ALICE, and LHCb at CERN. The ATLAS group at Nikhef is deeply involved in detector construction, data acquisition, and advanced data analysis, with a strong focus on Higgs boson physics, top quark physics, and searches for new physics. These PhD positions are part of the NWO-funded program 'The potential of the Higgs boson,' which aims to probe the Higgs potential and its implications for the Standard Model and beyond. Position 1 centers on searching for the rare ttHH production process in LHC Run-3 data, utilizing advanced machine learning techniques, including attention-based transformer models for event classification and Higgs boson mass regression. This role offers synergy with other boosted analyses in two-Higgs channels and is co-supervised by prof. dr. Ivo van Vulpen, dr. Clara Nellist, and dr. Sascha Caron. Position 2 focuses on reconstructing the two-Higgs decay channel into photons and b-quarks (HH→bbγγ), providing the tightest constraints on diHiggs production, and on the combined interpretation of all reconstructed diHiggs channels. This position involves collaboration with other PhD students and a postdoc working on novel ML-based strategies for improved precision and is co-supervised by prof. dr. Wouter Verkerke and prof. dr. Tristan du Pree. Both positions are based at Nikhef in Amsterdam, with employment at the University of Amsterdam. The program includes a specialized training curriculum, networking opportunities, and the possibility for extended research stays at CERN (up to one year). Candidates are expected to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students. The gross monthly salary ranges from €3,059 to €3,881, with additional benefits such as holiday and year-end allowances and an excellent pension plan. Applicants should hold or be close to completing a Master’s degree in high-energy physics or a related field, possess strong data analysis and programming skills (Python, C++, ROOT), and ideally have experience in experimental particle physics and machine learning. Applications require a cover letter, CV, and contact details for two referees, with interviews scheduled for December. The deadline for applications is November 16, 2025.