Postdoctoral Scientist / Researcher (all genders) in the field of ultra-short pulse laser physi[...]

GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 45.000 - 55.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research center in Germany is seeking a Postdoctoral Scientist in ultra-short pulse laser physics to develop a frequency comb laser and co-supervise PhD students. Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant field, experience in laser stabilization, and excellent English skills. This position offers a fixed-term contract with competitive benefits based on the German Public Service agreement.

Leistungen

Competitive salary based on TVöD-Bund

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifikationen

• PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or similar field required.
• Expertise in laser stabilization and frequency combs demonstrated through publications.
• Knowledge of fiber lasers and nonlinear optics is advantageous.

Aufgaben

• Develop a frequency comb laser in the vacuum-ultraviolet spectral range.
• Co-supervise a PhD student on the HiTHOR project.
• Adapt the laser for 229Thorium ion spectroscopy experiments.

Kenntnisse

Experience in laser stabilization

Proficiency in frequency combs

Knowledge of electronics

Python programming

FPGA (VHDL) programming

Teamworking skills

Very good English skills

Ausbildung

Completed PhD degree in physics or electrical engineering

Jobbeschreibung

Organisation/Company GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung Research Field Physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Country Germany Application Deadline 4 Dec 2025 - 12:02 (UTC) Type of Contract To be defined Job Status Other Offer Starting Date 6 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

Area of research:

Scientific / postdoctoral posts

06.11.2025

The Helmholtz Institute Jena (HI Jena) is a joint institution of the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena and the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research GmbH in Darmstadt. The institute is mainly focused on applied and fundamental research at the borderline of high-power lasers and particle accelerators. It maintains close collaborations with the Helmholtz Centers DESY in Hamburg, and HZDR in Dresden. For a doctoral position in the research group “Laser Science and Technology” located at DESY, we are looking for a

Postdoctoral Scientist / Researcher (all genders) in the field of ultra-short pulse laser physics / optical frequency combs

Posting ID: 25.132-4210

Nuclear spectroscopy of 229Thorium is a highly interesting field of research at the intersection between nuclear and atomic physics, which deals with the properties of an exceptionally low excited state in the atomic nucleus of 229Thorium. This state has an estimated excitation energy of only around 8eV. Only recently has it been possible to excite this state directly with an optical laser. As part of the HiTHOR project based at the Helmholtz Institute Jena and funded by the European Research Council ERC , this nuclear transition is now to be investigated in detail, which promises unique new insights into the quantum physics of atomic nuclei as well as new approaches for the construction of a high-precision ‘nuclear clock’.

Within this project, the further development of a frequency comb laser in the vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) spectral range will be pursued. In contrast to existing VUV comb systems, a novel, much more efficient approach will be targeted. This work will also include the development of the laser’s feedback control systems, as well as its adaptation to planned 229Thorium ion spectroscopy experiments at GSI. The successful candidate is expected to co-supervise a PhD student working in this project.

We are looking for candidates who have:

• a completed PhD degree in physics, electrical engineering or similar field,
• excellent experience and expertise in the field of laser stabilization, frequency combs, phase-locked loops, proven by relevant publication track record,
• experience in the field of fiber lasers and nonlinear optics,
• ideally, knowledge of electronics, Python and FPGA (VHDL) programming,
• interest in working with experts on a cross-institute collaboration project,
• very good written and spoken English language skills,
• and excellent teamworking skills.

What we offer:

A fixed-term 3-year contract embedded in Germany’s largest research foundation, with the salary and benefits based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund) effective at GSI. The position will be established at the Helmholtz Center DESY in Hamburg.

GSI promotes the professional development of women and expressly welcomes applications from women. Handicapped persons will be preferentially considered when equally qualified.

If you find this position interesting, please submit your full application documents, including your desired salary, your earliest possible starting date and the posting ID 25.132-4210 by 05.12.2025 at the latest

through our online portal

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.