Ph.D. position - Ultrafast imaging of molecules with two-color laser fields

Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 30.000 - 45.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A prominent research center in Hamburg is offering a PhD position focused on establishing soft-field laser spectroscopy to explore ultrafast processes in molecules. The successful candidate will develop ultrafast setups and collaborate with global experts. Requirements include a Master’s degree in physics and strong interest in laser science. Flexible working hours and a supportive environment are provided.

Leistungen

Flexible working hours

Family-friendly atmosphere

Health management

Qualifikationen

• Good knowledge or strong interest in laser science, atomic and molecular physics.
• Experimental activity with lasers.
• Excellent knowledge of English and international teamwork abilities.

Aufgaben

• Development of cutting-edge ultrafast pump-probe setups.
• Advanced laser spectroscopy of photo-induced electron dynamics in atoms and molecules.
• Development of innovative data analysis protocols.

Kenntnisse

Laser science

Atomic physics

Molecular physics

Collaboration

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in physics or related fields

Jobbeschreibung

Organisation/Company Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY Research Field Physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country Germany Application Deadline 31 Dec 2025 - 23:00 (UTC) Type of Contract To be defined Job Status Other Offer Starting Date 13 Nov 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

FS-ATTO

Area of research:

PHD Thesis

13.11.2025

DESY

The PhD position, based at DESY (Hamburg, Germany), will be funded by the ERC Starting Grant SoftMeter and will focus on the establishment of soft-field laser spectroscopy of molecules. The “soft-field” scheme combines ultrashort ultraviolet pulses and few-cycle infrared pulses to replace the conventional strong-field photo-interactions. By using such a two-color scheme, we aim to trigger a new regime of high-harmonic generation and laser-induced electron diffraction. In particular, we aim to translate the seminal concepts of strong-field physics towards the weak-field regime for the first time. This achievement would open up the possibility of performing ultrafast imaging of complex systems such as large molecules or interfaces with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution.The PhD project will be pursued within the group led by Andrea Trabattoni and it will be embedded in the FS-ATTO group, which is one of the worldwide leading groups for the investigation of ultrafast photo-induced electron dynamics in matter. The activity will focus on the development of cutting-edge pump-probe laser schemes for the investigation of new regimes of ultrafast processes in molecules. A deep understanding of such phenomena is likely to have a significant impact across a wide range of disciplines. For example, in the future, our research may improve the energy-harvesting mechanism in molecular solar cells, with immense benefits for energy and environmental science.

About your role:

• Development of cutting-edge ultrafast pump-probe setups
• Advanced laser spectroscopy of photo-induced electron dynamics in atoms and molecules
• Development of innovative data analysis protocols and collaboration with theory research groups
• Presentation of obtained results in international conferences
• Be part in an international team of scientists who develop next-generation light sources for cutting-edge time-resolved spectroscopy of electron dynamics in matter
• Collaborative research activity with worldwide experts at DESY and at international partner institutions

About you:

• Master’s degree in physics or related fields
• Good knowledge or strong interest in laser science, atomic and molecular physics
• Experimental activity with lasers
• Excellent knowledge of English and international teamwork abilities

Look forward to a unique working environment on our international research campus. Respectful cooperation and the well-being of our DESY employees are particularly important to us. Gender equality is an important aspect for us. To support work life balance we offer flexible working hours and variable part-time. You will benefit from our family-friendly and collegial atmosphere, our established health management and occupational pension provision. As a public funded employer, we offer you a secure workplace and facilitate your individual career with our comprehensive training and development opportunities. Remuneration is according to the regulations of the TV-AVH. DESY offers its employees a financial supplement for a German job ticket (Deutschland-Ticket) at both locations.

We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal:

Applynow

DESY promotes the professional development of women and therefore strongly encourages women to apply for the position to be filled. In addition, severely handicapped persons with equal aptitude are given preferential consideration. The advertised positions are basically suitable for part-time employment.

You can find further information here: www.desy.de/career/

Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY

Personalabteilung | Notkestraße 85 | 22607 Hamburg

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This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.