Doctoral candidate or Postdoctoral researcher specializing in physics, engineering, supercondu[...]

Doctoral candidate or Postdoctoral researcher specializing in physics, engineering, superconducting microwave amplifier (25-239-2B)

Join to apply for the Doctoral candidate or Postdoctoral researcher specializing in physics, engineering, superconducting microwave amplifier (25-239-2B) role at Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, PTB

The art of measurement — made in Germany. Striving to perfect it is the mission of the 2,100 employees of PTB, the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt. As Germany’s national metrology institute and a leading center of research, we operate in an international environment to develop world‑class measurement standards. We at PTB work to ensure that people and organizations can trust the measurements they use.

At our Braunschweig site, we are looking to fill the following position in Department 2.4 (Quantum Electronics):

Doctoral candidates: Remuneration Group 13 TVöD Bund ○ Three‑year fixed term ○ Part‑time (33.15 hours/week)

Postdoctoral candidates: Remuneration Group 13 TVöD Bund ○ Two‑year fixed term ○ Full‑time

Department 2.4 “Quantum Electronics” focuses on the fabrication and characterisation of superconducting quantum circuits. A clean room centre (RRZ) with extensive thin‑film technology and corresponding setups for cryogenic low‑ and high‑frequency measurements is available for these tasks. As part of a national research project, we are looking for you to continue our successful activities on travelling‑wave parametric amplifiers. For the project you will build on existing expertise of the department.

Your activities will include:

• Design of superconducting quantum electronic circuits for GHz frequencies using numerical and finite element simulations
• Layout and fabrication of superconducting circuits with Josephson junctions in niobium and aluminium technology
• Electronic characterisation of the circuits in liquid helium at 4 Kelvin and in a dilution cryostat at mK temperatures
• Optimization of the measurement setups in terms of hardware (incl. mK sample holder) and software (based on Python)
• Presentation and publication of the scientific results

Your profile:

• Completed university degree (Master) in physics, electrical engineering or a comparable field with a good degree
• For postdoctoral applications, a corresponding doctorate with at least a "very good" degree is required
• Practical experience in the fabrication of superconducting circuits, especially related to Josephson junctions in niobium or aluminium technology is an advantage
• Practical experience in the handling of cryogenic setups incl. corresponding low‑temperature measurement technology (DC and RF)
• Good programming skills in Python
• Experience in FEM simulation of RF circuits (e.g., Ansys HFSS/Q3D, CST, Comsol, Sonnet) as well as with circuit simulators in the time domain (SPICE) or frequency domain ('harmonic‑balance') is an advantage
• In‑depth knowledge and experience with superconducting parametric amplifiers is an advantage
• Physical aptitude for working in a clean room and cryogenic laboratory is a prerequisite
• You are a strong team player with excellent communication skills
• You have achieved C1 level in English
• You are willing to travel for work both in Germany and abroad
• Physical aptitude for working in a clean room and cryogenic laboratory is a prerequisite

We offer:

You can find an overview of our benefits on our careers page.

This is important to us:

PTB promotes gender equality and strongly encourages applications from female candidates. At the same time, we strive to reflect the diversity of our society. We therefore welcome every application submitted, regardless of the candidate’s gender, cultural or social background, religion, ideology or sexual identity. If equally suited to the position, disabled persons or persons having equivalent status under German law will be given preference.

Your application:

For subject‑related questions concerning this position, please contact Department 2.4:

We look forward to receiving your application by 13 January 2026 under Ref. No.25‑239‑2B. Please click on the following button: ONLINE BEWERBEN. This will directly lead you to our application portal where you can upload your documents (CV, certificates, Cover letter). Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications sent via email. With your application you accept the data protection regulations.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Temporary

Job function

• Research

Industries

• Research