Doctoral Position in High Intensity Electron Sources for Future Accelerators

1000scholars; Zürich; On-site; CHF 47,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enrollment in ETH Doctoral Programme

Teaching opportunities

Access to state-of-the-art instruments

Job summary

ETH Zürich invites applications for a Doctoral Position in High Intensity Electron Sources for Future Accelerators. The project, based at PSI with ETH Zürich involvement, aims to advance beam shaping for FCC and SwissFEL applications and to explore AI-based optimization and advanced laser techniques.

The PhD offers hands-on experience with state‑of‑the‑art accelerator facilities, cross‑disciplinary collaboration, and enrollment in ETH's Doctoral Programme.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in physics, accelerator science, electrical engineering, photonics or related field.
• Interest in accelerator physics, electron sources and experimental work.
• Practical, independent and analytical working style; interdisciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Commission a new electron source test stand and demonstrate pulse-to-pulse modulation of bunch charge, beam size, and laser pulse energy.
• Compare laser-shaping techniques through beam measurements and investigate AI-based optimization.
• Study photocathode and laser performance, including lifetime at high bunch charges.
• Measure beam brightness gains from photocathode shaping and RF compression for SwissFEL upgrade.

Skills

Beam dynamics

Lasers/Optics

Numerical modelling

Scientific programming

English communication

Education

Master's degree in physics or related field

Job description

Doctoral Position in High Intensity Electron Sources for Future Accelerators

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

Our research group, based at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), explores new technologies for future accelerator facilities. Through the development of new technologies and techniques, we develop high intensity particle sources, high gradient particle accelerators and beam diagnostics systems that measure beam qualities down to the sub-femtosecond regime. Our research combines beam/plasma physics, unique RF technologies and high-power lasers to realise the accelerators that exist within the Paul Scherrer Institute and reaching beyond with contributions to CERN’s future circular collider (FCC).

Project background

The project involves developing electron sources for future accelerator facilities at PSI and the institute’s contributions to the FCC. A central shared challenge is shaping the electron beam as it is generated or shortly afterward. For the FCC, precise control of the laser profile in the RF photogun enables the flexible filling schemes needed for top-up operation. For X-ray free-electron lasers, like SwissFEL, transverse laser shaping and early RF compression are key to producing brighter electron beams. This PhD project will advance beam-shaping techniques for both applications.

Job description

• Commission a new electron source test stand and demonstrate pulse-to-pulse modulation of bunch charge, beam size, and laser pulse energy relevant to the FCC-ee electron source concept
• Compare laser-shaping techniques through beam measurements, build a prototype for photocathode operation, and investigate machine-learning/AI-based optimization to improve performance
• Study photocathode and laser performance, including the lifetime of semiconductor photocathodes at bunch charges of up to 5 nC
• Measure gains in beam brightness from both photocathode laser shaping and RF compression with applications to a SwissFEL upgrade (SwissFEL+)

Profile

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in physics, accelerator science, electrical engineering, photonics, or a closely related field
• Strong interest in accelerator physics, electron sources and experimental work; experience with beam dynamics, lasers/optics, numerical modelling or scientific programming is an advantage
• A practical, independent and analytical working style, combined with enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration
• Professional proficiency in English; knowledge of German is an asset

We offer

• A stimulating research environment combining fundamental beam physics, laser physics, and RF technology development, with hands‑on practical experience in designing, commissioning, and operating particle accelerators
• A broad range of transferable skills with applications in both academic research and industry
• State‑of‑the‑art instruments and fully operational accelerator facilities
• Large‑scale, multidisciplinary projects that build teamwork and collaboration competencies across a wide range of scientific and engineering interfaces
• Enrollment in the ETH Doctoral Programme
• Teaching and mentoring opportunities

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate‑neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

Further information about Paul Scherrer Institute Accelerator Center can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Thomas Lucas, [e-mail] (no applications).

We would like to point out that the pre-selection is carried out by the responsible recruiters and not by artificial intelligence.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting‑edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.