PhD: Compact interferometric inertial sensing for gravitational-wave detector National Institute for Subatomic Physics (NIKHEF) in Netherlands

Nickhef (National Institute for Subatomic Physics) in Amsterdam is advertising a four-year PhD position on compact interferometric inertial sensing for gravitational-wave detectors. The project sits within the Amsterdam gravitational-wave group, which works on active seismic attenuation, inertial and position sensor development, interferometer simulation, computing, and data analysis. The broader Nikhef environment is highly international and connected to major collaborations such as Virgo, LHCb, ALICE, ATLAS, KM3NeT, and others.

This PhD is part of the CHiPS (Compact High-Precision Sensors) project, a team effort involving three PhD researchers across Nikhef and the Precision and Microsystems Engineering department at Delft University of Technology. The work is funded through the Dutch National Growth Fund NXTGEN programme of NWO and aims to develop compact, robust, extreme-performance inertial sensors with real-world industrial and scientific use in mind. Target applications include continuous operation in semiconductor manufacturing equipment and gravitational-wave observatories such as the Einstein Telescope.

Your research will focus on the optical readout of the sensor, specifically a homodyne quadrature interferometric readout. The project includes work in both open-loop (fringe counting) and closed-loop modes, with close collaboration across the CHiPS team, including an opto-mechanics PhD researcher and a control design PhD researcher at Delft University of Technology. You will study the technical challenges in detail, build setups and demonstration prototypes, and visit industrial and academic partners to better understand practical constraints.

The position is based at Nikhef in Amsterdam Science Park, with opportunities to interact with a global network of vibration isolation and gravitational-wave researchers. The institution offers state-of-the-art facilities and close contact with industrial partners including ASML, Demcon, Settels Savenije Group of Companies, IBS Precision Engineering B.V., and IDE. Employment includes a competitive PhD salary, holidays, pension, parental leave, Dutch language courses, and support with housing for candidates moving from abroad.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree in physics or a related field and be comfortable with high-sensitivity experimental work, modelling and simulation in Python/C++/Matlab, and scientific communication in English. Experience in optics, mechanical instrumentation, and data acquisition/analysis is desirable. The application deadline is 4 October 2026, though the position may be filled earlier if a suitable candidate is found.