Area of research:
Scientific / postdoctoral posts
Starting date:
23.11.2025
Job description:
GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt operates one of the leading particle accelerators for science. Currently, the new FAIR ( F acility for A ntiproton and I on R esearch) one of the world’s largest research projects, is built in international cooperation.
The FRS/SFRS Experiments Department is central for many nuclear physics experiments at GSI/FAIR. It operates the FRS fragment separator for the production and investigation of exotic atomic nuclei and their properties within the framework of the NUSTAR collaboration. It prepares for novel experiments at the next-generation super-conducting fragment separator Super-FRS of the international accelerator facility FAIR. The equipment needed for this is currently being installed at the Super-FRS experiment area so that it will be available for experiments at FAIR during the ‘Early Science’ and ‘First Science’ phases: the Super-FRS Ion Catcher at the high-energy branch and a detector system for reaction and decay experiments at the mid-focus of the Super-FRS.
For the commissioning of the new detector systems with and without beam, as well as for the planned experiments at the Super-FRS, the ‘FRS/SFRS Experiments’ department is looking for a
PhD physicist (all genders)
Posting ID: 25.143-1230
The main tasks include:
* Integration (mechanical, vacuum technology, electrical, safety, functional, control technology, supply technology) of the new equipment for the Super-FRS experiment collaboration at Super-FRS at FAIR
* Commissioning in the new FAIR environment, initially without beam, later with beam; testing of function and performance; verification of specifications; documentation of results; commissioning with increasing beam intensity under realistic experimental conditions with the new beams of the Super-FRS
* Safety-related preparation, integration and acceptance of the new systems at FAIR (general occupational and operational safety, specific issues such as the operation of cryogenic systems, handling of radioactive sources, etc.), preparation of risk assessments, implementation and review of all relevant safety measures in connection with the operation of the new systems
* Preparation and performing of the ‘Early Science’ and ‘First Science’ phases for initial experiments of the Super-FRS Experiment Collaboration.
Requirements:
* Completed degree in physics (diploma or master's) with a doctorate in the field of nuclear physics
* Very good knowledge and practical experience in the commissioning and operation of nuclear physics detector systems and their integration into electromagnetic spectrometers and separators
* Very good knowledge of detector technology (especially gas-filled detectors), cryogenics, vacuum technology, electronics
* Experience in safety engineering and CAD programmes is advantageous
* Very good written and spoken English skills are required, as well as the ability to work in a team and communicate with other technical specialist groups.
The position is full-time (100%) and permanent. Salary is as specified in the collective agreement for public employees (TVöD Bund), effective at GSI.
GSI promotes the professional development of women and expressly welcomes applications from women. Handicapped persons will be preferentially considered when equally qualified.
Further information about FAIR and GSI is available at and
If you have any questions regarding this application, please contact Dr. Timo Dickel (T.Dickel(at)gsi.de).
If you find this position interesting and challenging and would like to work in an exceptional, international, strongly technical environment,
Please send your complete application documents, including your salary expectations and your earliest possible start date, quoting reference number 25.143-1230, by December 23, 2025, at the latest, to our careers page.
Online-Bewerbungsportal
GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH
Human Resources Department
Planckstrasse1
64291 Darmstadt
GERMANY
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.
Company
The Helmholtz Association contributes to solving major challenges to assure the future of our society. With more than 47.500 people on staff in 18 national Research Centers and an annual budget of more than 6 billion euros, the Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organization. The name Helmholtz stands for concerted research, in which networks form the key principle behind inquiring thought and action.
The profile of the Helmholtz Association
The Helmholtz Association performs cutting-edge research which contributes substantially to solving the grand challenges of science, society and industry. To succeed in meeting these responsibilities, Helmholtz concentrates its work in six research fields: Energy, Earth and Environment, Health, Information, Matter, as well as Aeronautics, Space and Transport. Within each of these fields, research programs are developed by our scientists and regularly evaluated by renowned international experts. Their evaluation forms the basis for the program-oriented funding that is allocated to Helmholtz research. Within the six research fields, Helmholtz scientists cooperate with each other and with external partners – working across disciplinary, organizational and national borders.
Moreover, Helmholtz specializes in large-scale research infrastructures – from accelerator facilities, earth observation satellites, research ships to supercomputers. They form the basis for scientific advances in tackling global societal challenges. Managing national research infrastructure is part of the Helmholtz Association's mission.
Promoting young academics
Helmholtz scientists, a high-performance infrastructure and modern and efficient research management are the ingredients to the Helmholtz Association‘s success and global impact.
Promoting young researchers is a major priority for the Helmholtz Association. Its qualification schemes for young researchers are geared mainly towards PhD students, postdocs and young managers. The Helmholtz Association has set high standards for its talent management. Its strategy begins with targeted recruitment of highly qualified staff at all levels, followed by comprehensive support aimed at further developing their potential. Ensuring equal opportunities is an essential element in all talent management activities undertaken by the Helmholtz Association.
The Helmholtz Graduate Schools and Research Schools at almost all Helmholtz Centers provide doctoral students with the general and specific skills and training they need, as well as ample opportunity to network. The period following a doctorate is decisive in determining the direction and success of a scientific career. For this reason, we established Career Development Centers for postdoctoral researchers in the Helmholtz Centers. This equips young researchers with the skills they need to go on to head a Helmholtz Investigator Group, for example. As an Investigator Group leader, junior scientists can independently set up their own group to conduct research in their specialist field and acquire management skills.
Within its talent management strategy, the Helmholtz Association pays special attention to the increased recruitment of talented female scientists both from Germany and abroad. To this end, there are currently two funding programs supporting this policy: and Helmholtz Distinguished Professorship – Funding for the recruitment of leading international female scientists (W3) .
The increasing complexity of the content, structures and framework conditions of scientific work today requires researchers to organize their projects, their employees and, of course, themselves in a highly professional and effective way. In response to these demands, we have set up the Helmholtz Leadership Academy to provide leaders in science with professional management training. Furthermore, the Helmholtz network provides a platform for the alumni of the Helmholtz Leadership Academy to come together and share their experiences of leadership, career development and lifelong learning.
All of this combined makes the 18 Research Centers of the Helmholtz Association a highly attractive environment for talented researchers from all over the world.
Company info
Telephone
0049-30-206329-0
Location
Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Str. 2
Berlin
Berlin
10178
Germany