PhD Student in Condensed Matter Physics

PSI Paul Scherrer Institut; Villigen; Vor Ort; CHF 20.000 - 33.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

The Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) invites applications for a PhD Student in Condensed Matter Physics at the PEARL beamline of the Swiss Light Source. You will study the atomic and electronic structure of altermagnetic materials using photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, ARPES) and scanning probe microscopy (STM, AFM) at PSI and other synchrotron sources.

You will maintain and develop instrumentation and data analysis tools, collaborate with experimental and theoretical partners, assist external

Qualifikationen

• Master’s degree in physics or a related field.
• Experience with STM/AFM, XPS/ARPES, or other surface analysis techniques.
• Motivated to work in a small international team.
• Programming skills (e.g., Python) for data analysis.
• Excellent spoken and written English.

Aufgaben

• Study the atomic and electronic structure of altermagnetic materials using photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, ARPES) and scanning probe microscopy (STM, AFM) at PSI and other synchrotron light sources (experimental focus).
• Maintain and develop instrumentation and data analysis tools in collaboration with the team.
• Collaborate with experimental and theoretical partners.
• Assist external users in performing experiments at the Pearl beamline.
• Present results at conferences and in journal articles.
• Pursue a doctoral degree in physics and participate in teaching activities at the University of Zurich.

Kenntnisse

Python

English communication

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in physics

Tools

STM

AFM

XPS

ARPES

Jobbeschreibung

The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people.

For the PEARL beamline at the Swiss Light Source we are looking for a

PhD Student in Condensed Matter Physics

• Study the atomic and electronic structure of altermagnetic materials using photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, ARPES) and scanning probe microscopy (STM, AFM) at PSI and other synchrotron light sources (experimental focus)
• Maintain and develop instrumentation and data analysis tools in collaboration with the team
• Collaborate with experimental and theoretical partners
• Assist external users in performing experiments at the Pearl beamline
• Present results at conferences and in journal articles
• Pursue a doctoral degree in physics and participate in teaching activities at the University of Zurich

Your profile

• Master’s degree in physics or a related field
• Practical experience with scanning probe (STM, AFM), photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, ARPES), and/or other surface analysis techniques
• Motivated to work with complex instrumentation and in a small international team
• Demonstrated programming skills (e.g. Python) for data analysis
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills in English

We offer

Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.

For further information, please contact Dr Matthias Muntwiler, phone [phone].

15 September 2026