Harm Schoorlemmer

Radboud University is offering a fully funded PhD position in astroparticle physics, focusing on the integration of radio antennas into the Southern Wide-view Gamma-ray Observatory (SWGO) to study cosmic particle interactions with the atmosphere. The SWGO, located in the Atacama Astronomical Park in Chile, will be a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to investigating the most energetic photons ever observed. The observatory will use water-Cherenkov particle detectors to observe air showers produced by cosmic and gamma rays, and this PhD project will augment these detectors with radio antennas, enabling more precise studies of atmospheric interactions and expanding the observatory’s sensitivity to high-energy photons. The successful candidate will develop novel analysis techniques using interferometry on radio signals, aiming to lower the energy threshold for radio detection and improve the reconstruction of air shower parameters. The project is embedded within the SWGO collaboration and leverages the expertise of Radboud University's High Energy Physics Department, part of the Institute for Mathematics, Astrophysics and Particle Physics (IMAPP). IMAPP is renowned for its research in particle physics and quantum gravity and collaborates with major international projects such as ATLAS at CERN, DUNE, and the Pierre Auger Observatory. The department offers a vibrant research environment with 15 staff scientists and about 30 PhD candidates and postdocs. The position includes a 10% teaching load and is funded by an ERC-CoG grant. Employment conditions are excellent, with a 4-year contract (initial 1.5 years, extendable to 4 years upon positive evaluation), competitive salary, generous holiday and end-of-year bonuses, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for personal and professional development. 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 scheduled for December 3, 2025, and possible second interviews on January 7, 2026. The preferred start date is before April 2026. For more information, contact Dr. Harm Schoorlemmer at [email protected].

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.