Postdoctoral Fellow in High-Temperature Superconducting Undulator Technology

EPFL; Schweiz; Remote; CHF 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Paul Scherrer Institute seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow in High-Temperature Superconducting Undulator Technology to contribute to the SwissFELplus project. You will develop a variable-polarization undulator using REBCO tapes and work closely with scientists, engineers, and technicians across design, testing, and measurement activities.

The role requires a PhD in physics or electrical engineering, hands-on experience with superconducting magnets and magnetic measurements, and strong communication and

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, electrical engineering or closely related field.
• Experience with REBCO tapes or superconducting magnets gained through laboratory work, testing or characterization.
• Experience with magnetic measurements, cryogenic testing or electromagnetic simulations of technical superconductors is an advantage.
• Strong analytical, communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work independently.
• Excellent English skills are required; German is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Take an active role in developing a variable-polarization undulator based on superconducting REBCO tapes within the SwissFELplus project.
• Independently carry out design and development activities while collaborating with scientists, engineers and technicians.
• Support design and manufacture of the REBCO tape undulator and coordinate its cryogenic testing.
• Analyze and interpret magnetic measurement data to improve the undulator design.
• Document and communicate work through technical reports, publications and conference presentations.
• Participate in SwissFELplus meetings and contribute to project progress.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excellent English

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

PhD in physics or electrical engineering

Tools

Electromagnetic simulations software

Cryogenic testing equipment

Magnetic measurement equipment

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow in High-Temperature Superconducting Undulator Technology

• 100%
• Midland (SO, AG)

Description

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 Insertion Devices Group within the Center for Photon Science we are looking for a Postdoctoral Fellow in High-Temperature Superconducting Undulator Technology.

Your tasks

• Take an active role in developing a variable-polarization undulator based on superconducting REBCO tapes within the SwissFELplus project
• Independently carry out selected design and development activities while working closely with scientists, engineers and technical specialists
• Support the design and manufacture of the REBCO tape undulator and coordinate its cryogenic testing
• Analyze and interpret magnetic measurement data and use the results to improve the undulator design
• Document and communicate your work through technical reports, scientific publications and presentations at conferences and project meetings
• Participate actively in SwissFELplus meetings and contribute to the successful progress of the project

Your profile

• PhD degree in physics, electrical engineering or a closely related field
• Practical experience with REBCO tapes or superconducting magnets, gained through laboratory work, testing or characterization
• Experience with magnetic measurements, cryogenic testing or electromagnetic simulations of technical superconductors is an advantage
• Strong analytical, communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work independently
• Excellent English skills are required, while German is an advantage

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.

This is a temporary position. The employment contract will initially be limited to 2 years.

Contact

For further information, please contact Dr Marco Calvi, phone [phone].

Application deadline

30 November 2026

Paul Scherrer Institute, People & Culture, Serdal Varol, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland