PhD Candidate in Experimental High-Energy Heavy-Ion Physics (ALICE)

Welcome to Maastricht University!
The world of physics is constantly evolving—and so are we. At Maastricht University (UM), your research contributes to answering fundamental questions about matter and the universe. Whether you are analysing complex datasets, developing new models, or collaborating internationally, your work here has impact.

PhD Candidate in Experimental High-Energy Heavy-Ion Physics (ALICE)

Our goal: To deepen our understanding of heavy-ion collisions through cutting-edge experimental research with the ALICE detector at CERN.

Your colleagues: A collaborative team of researchers at the Maastricht Science Programme (MSP), Nikhef, and international partners within the ALICE collaboration.

The position

Maastricht University and Nikhef are offering a PhD position in Experimental High-Energy Heavy-Ion Physics. You will join the research group of Dr. Panos Christakoglou, embedded both at the Maastricht Science Programme (UM) and at Nikhef, the Dutch national institute for subatomic physics.

Your research will focus on the analysis of LHC Run 3 and Run 4 data collected with the ALICE detector at CERN. The group specialises in correlation studies—such as azimuthal anisotropy, angular correlations, vorticity, and the chiral magnetic effect—as well as heavy-flavour physics in pp, p–Pb and Pb–Pb collisions. Alongside data analysis, you will contribute to the development of theoretical and phenomenological tools that support current and future heavy-ion experiments.

You will work in an international and interdisciplinary environment, closely collaborating with researchers at UM, Nikhef, and within the broader ALICE collaboration. The position is based in Maastricht and Amsterdam, with regular opportunities to visit CERN in Geneva.

Are you ready to help shape the next phase of heavy-ion physics research? Then we would be delighted to meet you.

What you bring

It’s not about ticking boxes—it’s about your curiosity, skills, and drive. You might recognise yourself in the following:

• Strong academic foundation – You hold, or will soon obtain, a Master’s degree in high-energy physics, applied physics, or a closely related field.
• Analytical mindset – You enjoy working with complex datasets and extracting meaningful physical insights.
• Technical proficiency – You have experience with, or strong interest in, software tools such as C++, Python and ROOT.
• Research-oriented attitude – You are motivated to contribute to experimental particle physics and enjoy combining theory with data.
• Collaborative spirit – You value teamwork and feel comfortable working in an international research environment.
• Curiosity for the future – You are eager to learn, develop new skills, and grow as an independent researcher.

What we offer

At Maastricht University, you will work in an international, open, and supportive academic environment. We offer:

• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1.0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 3 years will follow. 
• A salary graded in scale P (UFO profile Promovendus) ranging from €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month (full-time, 38 hours).
• 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time employment), plus additional public holidays.
• Excellent supervision and training, including courses and annual graduate schools organised by the Dutch Research School for Subatomic Physics.
• Opportunities for international collaboration, including regular research visits to CERN.
• A strong academic community, with close interaction between UM, Nikhef, and international partners.
• A solid pension scheme via ABP and an inspiring research environment in the heart of Europe.

About the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE)
FSE is a young, rapidly growing faculty where science, technology, and society converge. We combine STEM and social sciences in innovative programmes such as Data Science, Circular Engineering, and Systems Biology. Our research and education are interdisciplinary, practice-oriented, and socially relevant. We take pride in our open culture and strong team spirit.

FSE at the Brightlands Campuses  
Maastricht, Sittard-Geleen, Heerlen, and Venlo, the home of four creative Brightlands campuses, are bustling with 30,000 entrepreneurs, researchers, and students working diligently to solve global challenges. The Faculty of Science and Engineering is active on all four Brightlands campuses, and this is where our impact reaches its peak. To give you an idea of what is happening at each campus: Sittard-Geleen is home to the largest chemical site in the Euregion, while Venlo is a large hub for agri-food innovation. Maastricht is the site of the Health Campus, and Heerlen is the place to be for Smart Services.  

About Nikhef and the research environment

Nikhef is the national institute for subatomic physics in the Netherlands, where approximately 220 physicists and 75 technical staff work together in an open and international setting. Nikhef participates in leading experiments such as ALICE, ATLAS and LHCb at CERN, as well as KM3NeT, DUNE, Virgo, XENON, Pierre Auger and others. Nikhef is a collaboration between six Dutch universities and the Dutch Research Council (NWO).

Questions?

For more information about the position, please contact Dr. Panos Christakoglou via panos.christakoglou@maastrichtuniversity.nl

You can also apply directly using the button below.  

Please be prepared to upload:

• Your CV
• A motivation letter
• The contact details of two referees willing to provide a letter of recommendation

The application deadline is 1 March 2026. The preferred starting date is September 2026.

We look forward to getting to know you!

About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,000 students and 5,000 staff members across 5 locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. Here, you are encouraged to push boundaries and discover new opportunities—for yourself and for science. Because real answers emerge when we work together.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.