Area of research:
Scientific / postdoctoral posts
Starting date:
06.11.2025
Job description:
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. It maintains close collaborations with the Helmholtz Centers DESY in Hamburg, and HZDR in Dresden. For a doctoral position in the research group “Laser Science and Technology” located at DESY, we are looking for a
Postdoctoral Scientist / Researcher (all genders) in the field of ultra-short pulse laser physics / optical frequency combs
Posting ID: 25.132-4210
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 will be pursued. In contrast to existing VUV comb systems, a novel, much more efficient approach will be targeted. This work will also include the development of the laser’s feedback control systems, as well as its adaptation to planned 229Thorium ion spectroscopy experiments at GSI. The successful candidate is expected to co-supervise a PhD student working in this project.
We are looking for candidates who have:
* a completed PhD degree in physics, electrical engineering or similar field,
* excellent experience and expertise in the field of laser stabilization, frequency combs, phase-locked loops, proven by relevant publication track record,
* experience in the field of fiber lasers and nonlinear optics,
* ideally, knowledge of electronics, Python and FPGA (VHDL) programming,
* interest in working with experts on a cross-institute collaboration project,
* very good written and spoken English language skills,
* 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 and
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 25.132-4210 by 05.12.2025 at the latest
through our online portal
GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH
Abteilung Personal
Planckstrasse 1
64291 Darmstadt
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