Doktorandin / Doktorand (m/w/d) Physik (26-34-QUESTB)

Softgarden; Braunschweig; À distance; EUR 33 000 - 47 000; Temps partiel

Résumé du poste

The QUEST Institute for Experimental Quantum Metrology, a joint institution of Leibniz Universität Hannover and PTB in Braunschweig, invites applications for a PhD position in experimental trapped ion physics. The project focuses on quantum logic spectroscopy of laser-cooled molecular ions stored in ion traps, in collaboration with ETH Zurich and the University of Innsbruck.

You will contribute to generating MgH⁺ and MgO⁺ ions, control rotational states with millimetre waves, and develop quantum

Qualifications

• University degree (Diploma/Master) in physics with a very good degree.
• Experience in experimental work on cold atoms or molecules is an advantage.
• Knowledge of atomic physics, quantum optics, laser cooling, laser spectroscopy or related fields is an advantage.
• Strong interest in experimental activities and experimental skills.
• High level of commitment and ability to work independently.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• German language skills would be an advantage.

Responsabilités

• Efficient generation of MgH⁺ and MgO⁺ by reactions of trapped Mg⁺ ions with background gas
• Control of rotational states in MgH⁺ using millimetre waves
• Development and implementation of quantum control protocols under combined laser and microwave excitation
• Extension of the existing Python-based experiment control system (ARTIQ)
• Analysis of experimental data as well as presentation at international conferences and publication of results in scientific journals

Connaissances

Experimental physics

Quantum optics

Independent work

Teamwork

English (C1)

Formation

Master's or Diploma in Physics

Outils

ARTIQ

Description du poste

Ihr Profil:

The art of measurement — made in Germany. Striving to perfect it is the mission of the 2,100 employees of PTB, the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt. As Germany’s national metrology institute and a leading center of research, we operate in an international environment to develop world‑class measurement standards. We at PTB work to ensure that people and organizations can trust the measurements they use.

At our Braunschweig site, we are looking to fill the following position at the QUEST Institute for experimental quantum metrology

PhD Position in experimental trapped ion physics

Doctoral candidates: Remuneration Group 13 TVöD Bund ○ 2.5-year fixed term ○ Part-time (33.15 hours/week)

The QUEST Institute for Experimental Quantum Metrology is a joint institution of Leibniz Universität Hannover and PTB in Braunschweig. The project is based on quantum logic spectroscopy of laser-cooled molecular ions stored in ion traps and is part of a collaboration with research groups from ETH Zurich and the University of Innsbruck. The aim of this PhD project is to develop and apply novel spectroscopic methods on trapped molecular ions to study fundamental symmetry violations. For this purpose, concepts such as entanglement and decoherence‑free subspaces, which originally come from quantum information processing, are used.

You will support us with the following activities:

• Efficient generation of MgH ⁺ and MgO ⁺ by reactions of trapped Mg ⁺ ions with background gas
• Control of rotational states in MgH ⁺ using millimetre waves
• Development and implementation of quantum control protocols under combined laser and microwave excitation
• Extension of the existing Python-based experiment control system (ARTIQ)
• Analysis of experimental data as well as presentation at international conferences and publication of results in scientific journals

Your profile:

• University degree (Diploma/Master) in physics with a very good degree
• Experience in experimental work on cold atoms or molecules is an advantage
• Knowledge of atomic physics, quantum optics, laser cooling, laser spectroscopy or related fields is an advantage
• Strong interest in experimental activities and experimental skills
• High level of commitment and ability to work independently
• Strong teamwork and communication skills
• You have achieved C1 level in English. German language skills would be an advantage.
• The physical ability of laboratory work must be given
• Willingness to travel

We offer:

• An excellent research environment (QuantumFrontiers Cluster of Excellence, Quantum Valley Lower Saxony (QVLS)) with access to PTB's unique infrastructure.
• Work in an internationally renowned research group.
• Our doctoral programme also offers the opportunity to network with each other as well as nationally and internationally, e.g. at scientific conferences.
• We promote research stays abroad within the framework of international co‑operation partnerships.
• You can find an overview of our benefits on our careers page.

This is important to us:

PTB promotes gender equality and strongly encourages applications from female candidates. At the same time, we strive to reflect the diversity of our society. We therefore welcome every application submitted, regardless of the candidate’s gender, cultural or social background, religion, ideology or sexual identity. If equally suited to the position, disabled persons or persons having equivalent status under German law will be given preference.

Your application:

For subject-related questions concerning this position, please contact QUEST FG1 :
Dr. Fabian Wolf, phone: [phone], email: [e-mail].

We look forward to receiving your application by 7 April 2026 under Ref. No. 26-34-QUESTB.

With your application you accept the data protection regulations.