PhD: Modelling of High-Energy Hadronic Interactions at AUGER, KM3NeT, and FASER National Institute for Subatomic Physics (NIKHEF) in

Nikhef, the National Institute for Subatomic Physics in the Netherlands, is offering a PhD position on the modelling of high-energy hadronic interactions at AUGER, KM3NeT, and FASER. The project sits at the intersection of particle physics, astroparticle physics, theoretical physics, and computational physics, with a strong focus on improving the description of hadronic interactions that are central to the interpretation of cosmic-ray air showers, high-energy neutrino fluxes, and forward particle production at the LHC.

The successful candidate will work across three complementary experimental contexts: the Pierre Auger Observatory, KM3NeT, and FASER. By confronting state-of-the-art models and event generators with data from ultra-high-energy cosmic-ray air showers, neutrino measurements, and forward neutrino/hadron production, the project aims to derive improved constraints on high-energy hadronic scattering. This will enhance the physics reach of all three experiments and strengthen the link between collider-based and astroparticle measurements.

The research will be embedded in the Nikhef KM3NeT, Theory, and Cosmic Ray groups, with additional benefit from Nikhef's involvement in FASER. The position is formally based in the KM3NeT group in Amsterdam, with a period of significant presence in Nijmegen during part of the project. The groups meet regularly in the Platform on extreme scattering modelling, providing a broad and supportive scientific environment and continuity in supervision.

Nikhef is an international research institute with strong expertise in experimental and theoretical physics, large-scale computing, detector R&D, and data processing. The selected PhD candidate will have access to high-level data from Auger, KM3NeT, and FASER, and will be able to benefit from substantial computing resources and an active collaboration network.

Funding consists of employment by the NWO-I foundation for 1+3 years as a PhD candidate, with a competitive salary and excellent conditions of employment, including extra salary payments in May and December. The application deadline is 2026-08-14, and the preferred starting date is October/November 2026, though a later start may be negotiated.

Applicants should have an MSc degree in (astro-)particle physics, theoretical physics, or a closely related discipline by the start date, and strong Python/software skills are especially encouraged. To apply, candidates should submit a CV and motivation letter and prepare the contact details of at least two referees for recommendation letters.