Research associate (team leader) position in experimental quantum technology: Relativistic geod[...]

Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf (Germany); Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 30.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institution in Germany is seeking a highly motivated individual to contribute to groundbreaking experiments in relativistic geodesy using optical lattice clocks. This position offers opportunities for career development in academia and research, with a focus on improving and operating advanced optical equipment. The role involves collaboration with a multidisciplinary team and provides a chance to develop management skills while contributing to significant scientific advancements.

Leistungen

Health Insurance

Pension

Social Benefits

Qualifikationen

• Experience with complex cold atom/optical equipment.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

Aufgaben

• Improve and operate the SOC2 optical lattice clock.
• Perform measurement campaigns during the ACES mission.
• Analyze and interpret data.

Kenntnisse

Technical Skills

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Jobbeschreibung

Offer Description

A German consortium aims at performing foundational experiments on relativistic geodesy using optical lattice clocks and ground-to-satellite time transfer links to the ISS.

The project task consists in comparing a strontium lattice clock at PTB Braunschweig with a strontium lattice clock at Geodätische Fundamentalstation Wettzell (Germany). The comparison will be performed during the mission ACES on the ISS, starting in 2025. High-performance optical, microwave, and fiber links will be used for this purpose. In particular, free-space optical links will be implemented between the Wettzell laser ranging station and the ACES payload and, simultaneously, between ACES and a similar ranging station in Potsdam. These two-way pulsed laser time-transfer links will be unique worldwide, as there are currently no other ground stations providing the necessary infrastructure capable of high accuracy. We aim for achieving clock comparisons with a fractional uncertainty of 1E-17 in time interval measurements.

This position involves improving an existing optical lattice clock, called "SOC2," then transferring it to Wettzell, operating it there, performing measurement campaigns during the ACES mission, and analyzing and interpreting data. The SOC2 clock is a modular, transportable lattice optical clock based on strontium.

Currently, the SOC2 team consists of three Ph.D. students, plus engineering and software support.

The work will initially be performed at Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) Braunschweig (in close collaboration with Prof. C. Lisdat's group) for approximately 1.5 years and subsequently at the Wettzell Geodetic Observatory (Bavaria). The position is part of an interdisciplinary research consortium comprising 10 groups, most in geodesy (measurements and data analysis). The position offers ample opportunity to learn about this subject.

Besides contributing to seminal experiments, the position provides an opportunity to develop management and leadership skills, supporting a career in academia or research organizations (potentially leading to a Habilitation).

We seek a highly motivated individual to make crucial contributions and achieve significant progress. The applicant should have experience with complex cold atom/optical equipment and possess excellent organizational and communication skills (written and interpersonal).

The contract duration is 4 years, with a possible extension of an additional 4 years in the second funding period of the consortium.

The salary level for the position is EG 13.

The earliest start date is Jan. 15, 2025; later dates are negotiable.

For further information or application, contact:

• Very good technical skills (lasers, vacuum, electronics)
• Very good organizational skills
• Very good communication skills (oral, written)

Specific Requirements

• Willing to relocate from Braunschweig to Wettzell after approximately 1.5 years.
• Languages: ENGLISH, Level Excellent

Research Field

Physics » Optics

Research Experience

4 - 10 years

Additional Information

Full salary with benefits (health insurance, etc.). Salary level: 100% EG 13 (approx. 2500 € net per month, including health insurance, pension, and social benefits, depending on family status).