At the Institute for Applied Physics (FB Physik, TU Darmstadt), a position is open in the research unit „Relativistic laser-plasma interactions'' and available now for a:

Research Assistant (all genders) – 65 %

The position has a limited duration of three years from the start date.

The research topic is the control of laser-plasma instabilities (LPI) in experiment and simulation. LPI appear during the interaction of a highly energetic laser pulse with matter. Because LPIs can be detrimental to laser-plasma interaction, their control and prediction is important for many applications. Here, in the context of this project, the influence of the plasma and laser parameters on the onset of LPI should be studied experimentally with the goal to develop LPI control methods. The PHELIX facility at GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschunng GmbH will play a central role in the experimental part of the work, with an emphasis on tests with the newly-developed laser frontend that delivers incoherent broadband laser pulses. The experimental results will be illustrated with 2-to-3 dimensional particle-in-cell simulations, using the EPOCH simulation code.

Your tasks:

The tasks of the candidate include the design and planning of the experiment and its realization. A first experiment in planned for 2024 at PHELIX. Other experiments in an international context are also envisioned. In addition, the analysis of the experimental data and the comparison with simulation should be part of the project.

In addition, an active participation of the candidate to teaching activities is expected.

Your profile:

• A successfully completed university degree (Master/Diplom) in physics is required.
• In addition, a knowledge and preliminary experience in laser and plasma physics is required.
• A direct experience in the field of high-intensity lasers will be particularly appreciated.
• The candidate should be proficient with one of the following scientific programming languages: Matlab or Python, in order to perform the analysis of data produced by simulation and experiment.
• We expect an interest for interdisciplinary work to foster the collaboration with colleagues from connected topics.

Opportunity for further qualification (doctoral dissertation) is given. The fulfillment of the duties likewise enables the scientific qualifications of the candidate.

The Technische Universität Darmstadt intends to increase the number of female employees and encourages female candidates to apply. In case of equal qualifications applicants with a degree of disability of at least 50 or equal will be given preference. Wages and salaries are according to the collective agreements on salary scales, which apply to the Technische Universität Darmstadt (TV-TU Darmstadt).

Applications should be sent electronically as a PDF file with the usual documents, quoting the identification number, to: vincent.bagnoud@physik.tu-darmstadt.de.