The magic of amolf
Careers
Explore open positions for interns, PhD students, postdocs, technicians, and support staff, and work with leading scientists on cutting-edge physics and materials research.
Vacancies
Are you looking for a challenging role in an international research environment? At AMOLF, you work with talented colleagues from around the world on fundamental research on functional complex matter with societal relevance. We offer highly advanced facilities, strong technical support, and many opportunities for professional and personal development, whether you are starting your career or taking the next step.
Are you looking for a challenging job in a multidisciplinary, collaborative research environment? AMOLF regularly has vacancies for various roles.
The magic of AMOLF
AMOLF is a special place. We hear that so often from researchers and support staff alike. It is sometimes called ‘the magic of AMOLF’. But what does this mean, and how do you create magic?
The main ingredients to AMOLF’s magic are the connection between people and the willingness to help each other. This makes such a difference! Whether you are setting up your project as a PhD student or working in a technical or administrative support role, it is so important to feel supported by others. For example, if you walk into the canteen during a coffee break, there will always be people ready to welcome you to their table.
“What helped me a lot was the continuous knowledge sharing at AMOLF. It was extra work, but I always knew it was good and after a colloquium I would feel so validated and ‘seen’ by my peers.”
Why AMOLF?
Ever since AMOLF was founded – more than 75 years ago – the people of AMOLF have made sure to jointly create a place that has a lot to offer. AMOLF gives young researchers a superb start, working on groundbreaking scientific research that is relevant to society. With AMOLF’s research groups organized in three multidisciplinary themes, researchers are stimulated to think across borders and thus – possibly – come up with revolutionary ideas. One example of this is a group of AMOLF chemists that found an efficient way to detect lead using solar cell material and light manipulating techniques.
To conduct excellent research, you need state-of-the-art laboratories and good technical support. AMOLF is very much aware of this and takes care to invest regularly in the latest equipment. This also means investing in our technicians, who train researchers on the job and give them a head start with their project.
In addition, AMOLF makes sure that researchers are able to participate in courses such as scientific writing and storytelling. Some researchers may want to patent their ideas or start a company. AMOLF will also assist those considering this commercial path.
After their temporary period at AMOLF, about half of the PhDs and postdocs move on to positions in academia in both the Netherlands and abroad. The other half typically go on to successful careers in industry, consulting, or government research institutes.
Of course, all of the above also applies to the people who work in technical or administrative support positions. You will work in a dynamic, collaborative environment, and clear investments will be made in your professional development.
“The sense of community is striking. There’s a lot of interaction. Typically, as a master’s student, you don’t speak to your professor very often. I did my master’s project in the group of Erik Garnett, and there I noticed how beneficial it was to talk regularly with Erik at the daily coffee break or during lunch, but also to all the PhD students in our group.”
Our application process
To apply for a position at AMOLF, simply click the application button in the vacancy listing. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email.
If you apply for a scientific position and are invited for an interview, we will arrange a full day program for you. During your visit, you will meet with several scientists, give a presentation about your recent work or final dissertation, and take a guided tour of our laboratories. Travel and accommodation expenses will be reimbursed. Within a few days after your visit, we will let you know whether you have been offered the position.
If you apply for a non-scientific position, you will be contacted by the AMOLF Human Resources department regarding the next steps in the application process.
Inclusion and diversity
People prosper in a diverse and inclusive work environment. AMOLF cherishes its diverse culture, making sure that people from different backgrounds feel welcome. This does not only mean people from different countries and cultural backgrounds; AMOLF values diversity in many different forms.
An inclusive work environment is important, and it takes awareness and determination to safeguard and develop it. We are aware of this and have therefore installed an Inclusion and Diversity Team (ID Team) in 2018 to monitor and organize activities on this topic.
Read more about diversity and inclusion at AMOLF
Coming from abroad?
If you become our new colleague and you come from abroad, AMOLF will help you (and your partner or family) to find accommodation in Amsterdam.
Learn more about housing services for future foreign employees and interns, as well as living in Amsterdam.