Scientist / Researcher (m/f/d) in the field of ultra-short pulse laser physics / optical freque[...]

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.

For a doctoral position in the research group “Ultrafast Photonics”, we are looking for a:

Scientist / Researcher (m/f/d)

in the field of ultra-short pulse laser physics / optical frequency combs

Posting ID: 25.31-4210

Part-time 65%

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 8 eV. 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 is of central importance and represents the topic of a planned doctoral thesis. In close cooperation with experts at DESY in Hamburg and other collaboration partners, a new approach to realizing a powerful VUV comb is to be pursued, thus enabling direct laser nuclear spectroscopy of 229Thorium.

We are looking for candidates who have:

1. a completed master’s or diploma degree in physics,
2. interest (and preferentially experience) in the field of laser physics / nonlinear optics,
3. interest in working with experts on a cross-institute collaboration project,
4. very good written and spoken English (and preferentially German) skills,
5. 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.

Information about the Helmholtz Institute Jena, GSI and FAIR is available at www.hi-jena.de, www.gsi.de and www.fair-center.eu.

For any questions please contact Dr. Christoph Heyl (c.heyl@hi-jena.gsi.de, Phone: +49 40 8998-6085.) 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 25.31-4210 by 18.04.2025 at the latest through our online portal.

GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH
Abteilung Personal
Planckstrasse 1
64291 Darmstadt

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