Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6 000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.
The Particle Physics Research group at the Department of Physics in the Faculty of Science is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of experimental particle physics.
The main topic of research of the group is the experimental study of fundamental interactions at large accelerators such as the LHC. The group participates in the CMS experiment and is active in the study of strong interaction, the measurement of Higgs boson properties, and physics beyond the Standard Model.
Position
- You will actively work towards the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in experimental particle physics.
- You will join an inter-university research team working on the measurement of the Higgs–charm Yukawa coupling with the CMS experiment at CERN. The research programme includes the development and validation of advanced flavour-tagging and lepton-identification techniques, as well as analyses of Higgs production and decay channels that are sensitive to this coupling and to possible physics beyond the Standard Model.
- You will work closely with your supervisor, postdoctoral researchers and other PhD students at UAntwerp. Your responsibilities may also include contributing to the guidance and supervision of Master’s and Bachelor’s thesis students.
- As a member of the CMS Collaboration, you will contribute to CMS Experiment Physics Responsibilities (EPR), in accordance with the collaboration’s authorship requirements.
- The position is based in Antwerp. Funding is available for travel to CERN and to national and international collaboration meetings.
- You will also contribute to the general educational tasks of the Physics Department.
Profile
- You hold a master degree in Physics orAppliedSciences oryou will have obtained it by the time of appointment.
- You can provide evidence of excellent study results.
- You have a good knowledge of English, both oral and written.
- Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
- Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
- You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
What we offer
- We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another two years.
- We offer the opportunity to take part in academic activities within the scope of your work, as well as the opportunity to further develop yourself through training and education.
- The planned start date is 1 October 2026or as soon as possible after that date.
- Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
- You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
- As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
- You will do most of your work at Campus Groenenborger in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
- Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.
Want to apply?
- You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 21 July 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
- a motivation letter
- your academic CV
- Please arrange for two letters of recommendation to be send directly by the referees to [email protected].
- The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
- If you have any administrative questions about the application, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to [email protected]. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Pierre Van Mechelen, head of the Particle Physics group at [email protected].
The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.
