Postdoc for a networked atomic clock experiment for ultralight dark matter

Organisation/Company: Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY

Research Field: Physics

Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2), Established Researcher (R3)

Country: Germany

Application Deadline: 30 Dec 2025 - 23:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract: To be defined

Job Status: Other Offer

Starting Date: 27 Jun 2024

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

The Zeuthen location of DESY has a strong focus on astroparticle and particle physics (gamma-ray and neutrino astronomy, and collider particle physics). The experimental groups are accompanied by a strong theory group. DESY Zeuthen is responsible for developing and delivering detectors for astroparticle and particle physics experiments, and is actively engaged in R&D for future applications. With the Centre for Quantum Technology and Applications (CQTA), DESY Zeuthen is taking a leading role in applying quantum technology to challenges in particle and astroparticle physics. A new search for the effects of ultralight dark matter is being constructed, using ultra-sensitive optical atomic clocks as the sensing element. The post holder will contribute to this search, driving the development of a test setup for networked clock comparison and frequency stabilisation. The post holder will also help to develop the procedures to collect and analyse the frequency comparisons, forming the basis of fundamental physics searches for (e.g.) ultralight dark matter.

About your role:

• Active role in networked clock comparisons for dark matter and fundamental physics measurements
• Develop a test network comprising clocks, frequency combs, glass fibres and transfer lasers
• Analyse experimental atomic clock data and participate in the interpretation of results

About you:

• PhD in experimental physics or equivalent qualification
• Experience with optics and lasers and in one of the relevant physics fields (e.g. particle, atomic/nuclear physics, quantum optics)
• Very good command of English is required and knowledge of German is of advantage
• Willingness to travel and participate in working meetings, conferences, and field work abroad
• Strong motivation, very good organizational skills, resilience; ability to work in teams and excellent communication skills

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, variable part-time, job-sharing models and participation in mobile work (up to 50%). 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:

Apply now

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
Phone: +49 40 8998-3392

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.