Els Koffeman Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Els Koffeman Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Amsterdam, Netherlands, offers an opportunity for talented physicists from underrepresented groups to advance their research careers. Based at the university’s Institute of Physics, this fellowship supports independent research and helps promising scientists prepare for future academic and faculty positions.

The position covers experimental and theoretical physics and offers a 36-month employment contract. Selected researchers will receive a competitive monthly salary, work alongside an established physics community, and contribute to student supervision. Moreover, fellows can develop their own research priorities while building professional connections across the institute.

This guide explains the fellowship’s eligibility requirements, salary, research opportunities, application documents, selection process, and submission deadline. It also provides practical advice to help prospective applicants prepare a strong application.

Overview of the Els Koffeman Postdoctoral Fellowship

The University of Amsterdam offers this fellowship through its Faculty of Science and Institute of Physics. Its main objective is to support excellent researchers from groups that remain underrepresented in academic physics.

Unlike a traditional doctoral scholarship, this opportunity provides a salaried research appointment. Fellows can pursue independent research within an Institute of Physics subgroup while developing collaborations across the institute.

According to the official vacancy, the position is full-time, with 38 working hours per week and a contract lasting 36 months. The application deadline is 18 October 2026. Applicants should consult the official Els Koffeman Postdoctoral Fellowship vacancy for the latest application instructions.

Key details at a glance

• • Host institution: University of Amsterdam

  • Research unit: Institute of Physics, Faculty of Science

  • Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

  • Research areas: Experimental and theoretical physics

  • Duration: 36 months

  • Working hours: 38 hours per week

  • Gross monthly salary: €3,706 to €5,760, depending on relevant experience

  • Application deadline: 18 October 2026

Why Consider This Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Netherlands?

The fellowship offers more than a temporary research position. It provides an opportunity to build an independent academic profile and prepare for future faculty-level responsibilities.

Firstly, fellows can pursue a physics research topic of their choice within the institute’s broad research environment. They also have opportunities to collaborate with other researchers and establish connections beyond their immediate subgroup.

Secondly, the position supports academic development through mentorship and opportunities to supervise bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students. These experiences can help researchers strengthen their research leadership and teaching portfolios.

In addition, the Institute of Physics operates within Amsterdam Science Park, a research environment connected to other scientific institutions and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. This setting can offer valuable opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange and professional networking.

Eligibility Criteria for the Els Koffeman Postdoctoral Fellowship

Applicants should review the eligibility conditions carefully before preparing their documents.

Academic qualifications

Candidates must hold a PhD in Physics or a closely related field. Their academic background should support the proposed research area and demonstrate their readiness to conduct independent research.

Research experience and publications

Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to research through publications in recognised academic outlets. Relevant evidence can include international peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, and academic books.

Therefore, candidates should explain their contributions to previous research rather than simply listing publications. Highlighting original findings, research methods, and individual responsibilities can help communicate their academic strengths.

Applicants from underrepresented groups

The fellowship aims to support researchers who are likely to be underrepresented among faculty-level staff. The university identifies women, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ people among the groups it seeks to encourage.

However, applicants should read the official vacancy carefully to understand how their experience aligns with the fellowship’s purpose. The university also encourages candidates to apply when they meet the educational requirements but do not satisfy every preferred qualification.

The Els Koffeman Postdoctoral Fellowship offers a gross monthly salary between €3,706 and €5,760. The university determines the applicable amount according to relevant professional experience.

The salary range does not include an 8% holiday allowance or an 8.3% year-end allowance. Consequently, candidates should distinguish the stated monthly salary from the full annual compensation package.

The appointment lasts 36 months and involves 38 working hours each week. The preferred starting date remains subject to discussion with the university.

Furthermore, non-Dutch applicants may qualify for the Netherlands’ 30% tax ruling, depending on the applicable conditions. This benefit is not automatic, so international candidates should verify their eligibility before including it in financial plans.

The role follows the applicable Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities. Applicants should review the university’s employment information for further details about contractual conditions.

Research Areas and Responsibilities

The fellowship welcomes applicants working across experimental and theoretical physics. The Institute of Physics also has research activity spanning a wide range of physics and astronomy topics.

Rather than applying to a narrowly defined project, candidates should identify a research direction that fits their expertise and the institute’s strengths. Applicants must name up to three Institute of Physics faculty members they would like to work with.

Successful candidates will conduct independent research, develop collaborations, and contribute to the supervision of undergraduate, master’s, or PhD students. Therefore, applicants should demonstrate both scientific independence and an interest in supporting the development of younger researchers.

How to Apply for the Els Koffeman Postdoctoral Fellowship

Applications must be submitted online through the application link provided on the university’s vacancy page. Prepare the required documents carefully before submitting your application.

Documents required

Applicants must provide the following:

1. 1. Detailed academic CV: Include education and employment dates with start and finish months, not just years.

   2. Motivation letter: Explain your research interests, career goals, and reasons for applying.

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   3. Publication list: Identify your academic publications and relevant research contributions.

   4. Research statement: Maximum two pages, including your proposed research direction and the names of up to three potential faculty collaborators.

   5. Diversity statement: Maximum two pages, describing relevant experiences, contributions to inclusion, or ways you could support diversity activities at the institute.

   6. Three references: Provide the names and email addresses of three people who can supply recommendation letters later in the selection process.

The university requests the CV separately. Submit all remaining documents together in a single PDF file. Check the official application instructions before uploading your materials.

Application deadline and selection process

The current official vacancy lists 18 October 2026 as the closing date, with applications accepted until 23:59 CEST.

The university will first assess submitted documents. During the next stage, shortlisted applicants will be asked for recommendation letters and invited to online interviews. The university has scheduled these interviews for 16–27 November 2026.

Because the deadline is approaching, candidates should complete their applications promptly. Submit only through the university’s designated application portal, and confirm that every required document has uploaded successfully.

Expert Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

A competitive postdoctoral application needs more than an impressive publication list. It should explain the researcher’s contribution, future direction, and potential to develop an independent academic career.

Develop a focused research statement. Explain the problem you intend to investigate, why it matters, and how your expertise supports the proposed work. Keep the statement within the two-page limit.

Choose faculty collaborators strategically. Review the Institute of Physics faculty profiles before selecting up to three potential collaborators. Explain how their expertise complements your research interests.

Prepare a meaningful diversity statement. Discuss relevant experiences, practical contributions, or plans to support an inclusive research environment. Keep the statement specific and authentic.

Check every document carefully. Confirm that your CV includes months for education and employment dates. Also, ensure that the research and diversity statements meet their page limits.

Finally, contact your referees early. Although the university requests their letters at a later stage, informing them in advance can help prevent delays.

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