PhD Position in High-Energy Astroparticle Physics (Southern Wide-view Gamma-ray Observatory) Radboud University in Netherlands

This PhD position at Radboud University offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the Southern Wide-view Gamma-ray Observatory (SWGO) collaboration, focusing on high-energy astroparticle physics. The SWGO, to be constructed in the Atacama Astronomical Park in Chile, will address fundamental questions about the nature, origin, and interactions of extremely energetic subatomic particles. The observatory will use water-Cherenkov particle detectors to observe air showers resulting from cosmic and gamma ray interactions in the atmosphere. As a PhD candidate, you will play a key role in enhancing the observatory's capabilities by integrating radio antennas with the particle detectors, enabling more precise studies of atmospheric interactions and expanding the observatory’s reach to the most energetic photons ever observed.

Your research will involve developing novel analysis techniques, particularly employing interferometry on measured radio signals, to lower the energy threshold for radio detection and improve the reconstruction of air shower parameters. You will benefit from the group’s strong expertise in data analysis and instrument development for radio detectors. The position includes a 10% teaching load and is based in the High Energy Physics Department of the Institute for Mathematics, Astrophysics and Particle Physics (IMAPP), which is known for its cutting-edge research in particle physics and quantum gravity. IMAPP collaborates with major international projects such as ATLAS at CERN, DUNE, and the Pierre Auger Observatory, and is a founding partner of Nikhef, the Dutch national institute for subatomic physics.

The Faculty of Science at Radboud University is internationally oriented, with staff from over 70 countries, and offers a supportive environment for personal and professional development. The position is funded by an ERC-CoG grant and comes with a competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working conditions, and additional benefits such as sports and cultural discounts. Applicants should have a Master’s degree in physics or astronomy, strong English skills, and experience in data analysis.

The application deadline is November 26, 2025, with interviews starting in December. This is an excellent opportunity for motivated candidates to engage in groundbreaking research and be part of an international scientific community.