Careers

Join our research community

Explore opportunities for PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, interns, technicians and support staff, and find out what makes ARCNL a great place to work.

At ARCNL, research is collaborative, interdisciplinary and inspired by industrial challenges.

We work closely with industry partner ASML, as well as collaborators at our partner universities and neighboring research institutes.

Located at Amsterdam Science Park, ARCNL forms part of a vibrant hub of cutting-edge science and technology.

Vacancies

Interested in working at ARCNL? We often have new vacancies for PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, interns, technicians and support staff.

Why work at ARCNL?

At ARCNL our science is both curiosity-driven and motivated by real-world applications. For this, we frequently interact with industrial partner ASML. Moreover, all research staff are affiliated with one of our partner universities: University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and University of Groningen.

This direct connection between fundamental research and industry is unique to ARCNL and is further strengthened by its physical proximity to many potential collaborators: from fellow ARCNL researchers with a different university affiliation, to colleagues at neighboring research institutes at Amsterdam Science Park.

The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park: home to one of the highest concentrations of research in the natural sciences in Europe. Your experience at ARCNL also prepares you to continue your career in either academia or industry; organizations such as TNO and ASML are keen on employing our PhD students and postdocs.

PhD candidate Ozan working in the Contact Dynamics lab

As a relatively young and smaller research institute, ARCNL is a place where researchers, technicians and group leaders work closely with – and get to know – each other well.

Your own research group will be small (about 8 people) facilitating close collaboration. At ARCNL you are surrounded by excellent scientists and dedicated group technicians, who are always willing to lend a helping hand.

Outside of the lab, there are many opportunities to connect with colleagues, whether it’s over a cup of coffee in the canteen or across the foosball table.

The Staff Association organizes regular events, such as annual institute outings, game nights and Friday drinks.

ARCNL colleagues play foosball together in the common area
Testimonials

What our employees say about ARCNL

“I really like how cohesive the institute is, both the people and the research! When I was still interviewing, everyone I spoke to mentioned how great the atmosphere at ARCNL is. Now that I’ve been here for a while, I can say: it’s true!”
Sarah Rooijmans
PhD candidate Light-Matter Interaction
Sarah Rooijmans in the Light-Matter Interaction lab. Photo: Floris Krelage
“What struck me most when I first started at ARCNL was the level of support I received, both professionally and personally. If you are struggling with your work, you will always find someone to chat with about it. As everyone told me during my interviews, ARCNL is an open environment.”
Kevin Murzyn
PhD alumnus High-Harmonic Generation and EUV Science
Kevin Murzyn in the High-Harmonic Generation and EUV Science lab
“The working environment at ARCNL is very good. Everyone is very helpful. For my fellow researchers and students who want to pursue science, I would say ARCNL is one of the best places they could join because of this kind of work environment.”
Surabhi Aggarwal
Postdoctoral researcher Plasma Theory & Modeling
Surabhi Aggarwal discusses plasma physics with group leader John Sheil
“ARCNL is truly a great place to do your internship with friendly and hard-working people, and get your hands dirty (figuratively) in the lab.”
Dion Engels
Alumnus (intern and PhD) EUV Plasma Processes
Dion Engels in the EUV Plasma Processes lab. Photo: Floris Krelage
"The atmosphere at ARCNL is open, international and ARCNL is small enough for everybody to know everybody. If you like the things I mentioned, then I can definitely recommend becoming a scientist at ARCNL.”
Bart Weber
Group leader Contact Dynamics
Bart Weber. Photo: Floris Krelage

Diversity, equity and inclusion

At ARCNL, we know that the best science comes from collaboration between people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Our institute is highly committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that is equally safe and fair for all employees.

It is therefore important that we all contribute to an inclusive culture, where it is normal to give each other feedback in an atmosphere that is perceived as open and safe.

In addition, almost all ARCNL employees are also employees of NWO-I, giving them access to various Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): ERG Women+, ERG Cultural Diversity, ERG LGBTQIA+ PRISM and ERG Neurodiversity.

ARCNL employees pose together on the steps of the Matrix VII building

Our application process

Interested in one of our vacancies? To apply, fill out the online application form below the vacancy.

You will receive an email to confirm receipt of your job application. The rest of the process depends on whether you are applying for a scientific position.

For scientific positions:

  • Applications for scientific positions will be examined by several scientific group leaders.
  • If you have applied for a scientific position and you are invited for an interview, then we will organize a day program for you. During this day you will speak with different scientists, give a presentation about your recent work or final dissertation, and receive a guided tour of the laboratories. Travel and accommodation costs will be reimbursed.
  • Within several days of your visit, you will hear whether you have been offered a job.

For all other positions:

  • If you are invited for an interview, there will be one round with members of your potential team, and a second round with other colleagues you are likely to work with, as well as someone from HR.
  • Depending on the role, your interview may include a practical component.
  • In the case of many applicants, there may also be a short online interview before you are invited to an interview in person.
  • Within several days of your second interview round, you will hear whether you have been offered a job.

Coming from abroad?

If you come from abroad, ARCNL will assist you with your search for housing and, if necessary, with the procedures to get a residence permit, health insurance, and any other official matters.

The HR department also takes care of reimbursement of relocation costs.

Do you want to know more about living in Amsterdam?

Read about the official procedures for moving on the ‘I Amsterdam’ website.

A canal view at dusk in Amsterdam

careers

Ready to apply?

Have a look at our current vacancies to find your next role at ARCNL!

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