PhD Position in Experimental Condensed Matter Physics: Development of Dual Free Electron Laser Spectroscopy

1. Introduction

Are you a motivated Master’s student looking to pursue a PhD and ready to dive into the depths of experimental physics? Would you like to harness the power of dual free electron lasers to unveil new insights? If so, come and join our team at HFML-FELIX and the Max-Planck Center in Nijmegen (Netherlands) and collaborate with researchers at the Fritz Haber Institute in Berlin (Germany) to illuminate uncharted scientific territories.

2. Job description

The free electron lasers (FELs) at HFML-FELIX are versatile and highly sought-after sources of intense picosecond light pulses, useful for investigating dynamic processes in matter. Your research project will focus on designing and testing a new type of optical experiment using two synchronised FELs in a novel operation mode currently being commissioned at HFML-FELIX. This set-up aims to simultaneously use infrared and THz light to explore fundamental dynamic processes in solids that were previously inaccessible. Our FELs provide short intense pulses of radiation in the whole spectral range of low-energy physics covering the full quasiparticle spectrum from magnons and phonons to Cooper pairs and polarons. 

In parallel, dual FEL optical experiments are being developed and tested at the Fritz Haber Institute in Berlin, where you will collaborate with another PhD candidate. This project is partially funded by the Max Planck – Radboud University Center for Infrared Free Electron Laser Spectroscopy, where a cohort of PhD candidates collaborate in person on specific topics.

As a PhD candidate, you will have the chance to develop valuable skills by mentoring students, participating in international conferences, and collaborating with leading researchers. You will also work with external users on related experiments and serve as a teaching assistant in Radboud University's teaching programme, with a teaching load of up to 10% of your working time.

Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate.

3. Profile

• You should have obtained an MSc degree in physics, or a related field, with a Master’s thesis on an experimental research topic.
• You have an interest in curiosity-driven research as well as the development of experimental instrumentation.
• Experience in condensed matter physics and/or laser spectroscopy is welcome.
• You have good English communication skills (verbal and written).   

4. We are

HFML-FELIX is a large‐scale research infrastructure. Its in‐house research programmes focus on chemistry and physics, fostering interdisciplinary research. HFML‐FELIX's mission is to develop and exploit the world's highest magnetic fields and intense infrared and terahertz radiation to enable both external and in‐house user groups to carry out pioneering scientific research.

HFML‐FELIX serves numerous international scientists and students. It currently  hosts six research groups covering a broad research portfolio ranging from condensed matter science to biomolecular chemistry. In addition, HFML‐FELIX has a strong programme in magnet technology and free electron laser technology.

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).     
• You will receive a starting salary of €2,901 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,707 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Nils Dessmann. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place on Monday 17 March. You will preferably start your employment as soon as possible.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.