Your function
We invite applications for a postdoctoral position to develop quantum algorithms to study electron dynamics in photochemistry and spectroscopy. This research is part of our long-term collaboration with the QuSoft Research Center, where we focus on the development of novel quantum algorithms for chemical applications. In this project you will work on simulating strong perturbations of initially relatively simple electronic wave functions using quantum algorithms. The methods to be developed concern multi-state molecular dynamics and real-time electron dynamics. Proof-of-principle applications will focus on use cases in photochemistry and catalysis. The project combines theoretical work, algorithm development, and implementation into a hybrid (in terms of targeted computers) quantum-classical software. It offers an opportunity to contribute to fundamental advances in quantum chemistry.
The successful candidate will join our quantum chemistry group at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. For an overview of our current group and our research interests please check out our group page. We are an interdisciplinary and international group of chemists and physicists working on the development of novel methods in electronic structure theory and their application to molecules and periodic systems. This project offers plenty of space for your personal development, being part of the vibrant Dutch quantum environment and by participation in international conferences.
The starting time is negotiable but should be no later than November 1, 2026.
Your profile
- You hold, or about to obtain, a PhD degree in physics, chemistry, quantum information theory, or a related field.
- You have good knowledge of electronic structure theory and thorough understanding of at least two of the following topics: methods for real-time electron dynamics, methods for strongly correlated systems, quantum computing, embedding theory
- You have demonstratable experience in at least one modern programming language (python, Fortran, C++ …).
- You have excellent communication and writing skills.
- You are willing to work independently as well as in a team.
We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.
What do we offer?
A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:
- a salary of minimum € 3.546,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.538,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
- a position for at least 1 FTE. Your employment contract will initially last 2 year.
We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:
- A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year.
- 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
- discount on (and occasionally exclusive access to) theater performances and courses at the Griffioen Cultural Center
- good growth opportunities
- contribution to commuting expenses
- solid pension scheme (ABP).
About us
Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.
We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.
Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct
We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.
Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.
We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.
Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.
Interested
Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application no later than June 30, 2026. Interviews for this position will be scheduled between July 2nd and July 8th.
Please send a cover letter, explaining why you chose to apply for this specific position (one page maximum), a curriculum vitae, links to an online copy of your PhD thesis and relevant papers that you published, and the contact details of 3 references who we can contact for letters of recommendations. All the documents must be written in English.
If you have any questions about the position, we encourage you to reach out to prof. Lucas Visscher (l.visscher@vu.nl)
PLEASE DO NOT ONLY APPLY THROUGH MAIL, all applications should also be registered in the VU application system.
