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 PhD position established in Darmstadt, we are looking for a

Scientist / Researcher (m/f/d)
in Atomic and Quantum Physics
and Spectroscopy of Highly-Charged Ions

Part time (65%)

Posting ID: 26.49-4200

Highly charged ions are ideal for research in atomic and nuclear physics, fundamental physics and the search for previously unknown physics beyond the Standard Model of particle physics. In such ions, the remaining electrons are extremely strongly bound to the nucleus, which makes these systems highly sensitive to fundamental effects. Furthermore, highly charged ions are robust against external disturbances, also due to the strong binding of the electrons to the nucleus. This favours highly sensitive tests of fundamental physics.

As part of the HiTHOR project funded by the European Research Council ERC, the SPECTRAP Penning trap experiment at the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research in Darmstadt plans to perform spectroscopy of hyperfine transitions in heavy, highly charged ions in order to test quantum electrodynamics in strong fields. Another motivation is to measure the clock transition of the thorium nucleus for highly-charged ions (Th⁸⁹⁺) for the first time in a Penning trap.

The work at the Helmholtz Institute Jena will focus on

• the operation of a precision ion trap, including the vacuum and cryogenic technology, as well as ion optics used there,
• characterising the trap with ions from an offline source, using both electronic and optical detection,
• developing and installing laser systems for thorium spectroscopy,
• conducting initial complex laser spectroscopy experiments.

We are looking for a doctoral candidate with

• a university degree (master’s or equivalent) in physics with very good grades,
• a high level of motivation and commitment to tackling new challenges,
• the ability to work independently, reliably and carefully,
• a talent for practical work in the laboratory,
• ideally basic knowledge of a programming language (e.g. Python) and electronics, and/or the willingness to learn or deepen these skills,
• who likes to work in an interdisciplinary team,
• and possesses excellent communication skills in English.

What we offer:

A 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 in Darmstadt; as a part of it, the pursuit of a doctorate at Friedrich Schiller University in Jena is expected.

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. Stefan Ringleb (stefan.ringleb(at)uni-jena.de)   or Dr. Rima Schüssler (r.schuessler(at)gsi.de).

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 26.49-4200 by April 22 at the latest

through our online portal

or to:

GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH
Abteilung Personal
Planckstrasse 1
64291 Darmstadt

Apply Now!