项目介绍

2026年5月9日

We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to join a pioneering effort to unlock the origins of the highest-energy cosmic rays in our galaxy. This position offers an opportunity to work at the frontier of astroparticle physics, playing a central role in establishing cosmic-ray detection at the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). 

You will be part of a dynamic, internationally connected team at Radboud University in Nijmegen (Netherlands), embedded within the SKA High Energy Cosmic Particles Science Working Group and collaborating with leading institutions across Europe and Australia. The work spans the full arc of experimental physics: from instrument commissioning and calibration to data analysis, with direct implications for our understanding of the most extreme astrophysical environments in the universe.

As the first postdoctoral researcher on the ERC funded SKA-CR project, you will take a leading role in designing particle detectors that will be installed at the SKA to facilitate cosmic ray detection. You will lead a feasibility study investigating whether the detectors can be used to distinguish between muons and electrons in cosmic-ray air showers, a capability critical to constraining hadronic interaction models that are currently one of the major sources of uncertainty in the field. Using Geant4 and CORSIKA simulations, you will characterise the signals produced by each particle type in the scintillator detectors and assess whether the high-frequency SKA electronics (sampling at 800 MSPS) can preserve enough information to enable this novel separation technique. The outcome of this study will directly determine the design path for the particle detector upgrade, and you will work with the PI and a dedicated technician to implement the chosen solution before detector deployment.

You will also have an opportunity to contribute to the development of the SKA radio data pipeline for cosmic-ray detection, building on established techniques from the LOFAR cosmic-ray programme and the open-source NuRadioReco framework. The pipeline you develop will be the backbone of all subsequent scientific analyses on the project, and you will supervise and mentor a PhD candidate working alongside you on complementary aspects of this effort. This is a uniquely broad role that combines software development, detector physics and observatory coordination, and you will be expected to present results regularly at major international conferences and contribute to high-profile publications.

The open and safe environment at Radboud University is extremely inspiring. I’ve felt totally at home here for over twenty years.Hans de KroonProfessor at the Faculty of ScienceRead Hans’ story

Does this sound like you?

• You hold a PhD in astroparticle physics, astrophysics, or a closely related field, with a focus on cosmic particle detection.
• You have experience with data analysis pipelines, ideally in the context of radio or particle physics experiments.
• You have experience with detector simulation tools such as Geant4, or air shower simulation packages such as CORSIKA.
• You have a strong interest in instrumentation and detector physics, and you enjoy working at the interface of hardware and software.
• You have a track record of scientific publications in relevant venues.
• You have excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• You are a proactive team player who can work effectively across a large international collaboration.
• Experience with radio telescope data, signal processing, or calibration techniques is an advantage but not required.
• You are enthusiastic about mentoring junior researchers and contributing to a collaborative research environment. 

What we offer you

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of 2 years.
• Your salary within salary scale 10 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University’s primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

Where you will be working

You will be hosted by the cosmic-ray group at Radboud University in Nijmegen (Netherlands). Radboud University is the birthplace of the LOFAR cosmic-ray detection programme and has a long track record of world-leading research in radio-based air shower detection, instrumentation and analysis. The group has extensive experience installing and operating particle detectors at radio observatories, and it maintains close ties with ASTRON and the Radboud Radio Lab, which develops the electronics that will be used in the SKA particle detector array. Nijmegen is a vibrant university city with a welcoming international community, and Radboud University is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive working environment.

You will also become a core member of the SKA High Energy Cosmic Particles Science Working Group, an international collaboration bringing together leading astroparticle physicists from institutions across Europe and Australia. This group coordinates all aspects of cosmic-ray science at the SKA, and membership provides access to a broad network of experts in cosmic-ray radio detection, air shower simulations, hadronic interactions, and detector development. As a member of this group, you will have high visibility within the community, and you will be expected to play an active role in shaping the future of cosmic-ray science at the SKA.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.

We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.

Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

Radboud University
At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.

If you want to learn more about working at Radboud University, follow our Instagram account and read stories from our colleagues.