Doctoral Scientist / Researcher (m/f/d)

Overview

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 border of high-power lasers and particle accelerators.

We are looking for a Doctoral Scientist / Researcher (m/f/d) in Atomic and Quantum Physics and High-Precision Mass Spectrometry of Highly-Charged Ions .

Part-time 65%.

Posting ID:

to be filled as soon as possible.

Context

The mass of particles is a fundamental property, and its precise determination allows contributions to a wide variety of areas in atomic and nuclear physics. The most accurate mass measurements are achieved with individual, highly charged ions in a Penning trap, where relative accuracies of 10^-12 are achieved. Such measurements are used in the search for new physics, determining the neutrino mass, and determining excited states in the atomic shell.

High-precision mass measurements have so far been limited to light and medium-heavy ions or medium charge states. A Helmholtz Investigator Group has been established at HI Jena, with an experimental site at GSI in Darmstadt, to extend this technology to the heaviest ions in the highest charge states and, among other applications, perform precise tests of quantum electrodynamics in strong fields. At GSI, ions can be generated using the heavy ion accelerator and, after a deceleration process, made available for ion trap experiments – a worldwide unique combination of experimental infrastructure. To strengthen the Helmholtz Investigator Group, set up the Penning trap mass spectrometer and carry out future measurements, we are looking for a PhD Student to start as soon as possible.

Responsibilities (The Work at HI Jena Will Focus On)

• design, construction and commissioning of a new Penning trap mass spectrometer,
• the application of state-of-the-art cryogenic detectors for the detection of individual particles in the traps and in the beam line,
• the operation of the Penning traps, including the vacuum and cryogenic technology, as well as ion optics and detection units used there,
• data analysis, and the presentation of results at conferences and workshops,
• and performing measurement campaigns.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a doctoral candidate with:

• a university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in physics or equivalent with very good grades,
• a high level of motivation and commitment to tackling new challenges,
• the ability to work independently, reliably and thoroughly,
• talent for practical work in the laboratory,
• ideally, experience in an atomic physics laboratory and basic knowledge of a programming language (e.g. Python) and electronics, and/or willingness to learn or deepen these skills,
• strong team and communication skills,
• good written and spoken English skills; German skills are an advantage.
• who likes to work in an interdisciplinary team.

What We Offer

A 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 in Darmstadt; as a part of it, the pursuit of a doctorate at Friedrich Schiller University in Jena is expected.

GSI promotes the professional development of women and expressly welcomes applications from women. Handicapped persons will be preferentially considered when equally qualified.

Information

Information about the Helmholtz Institute Jena, GSI and FAIR is available at hi-jena.de, gsi.de, and fair-center.eu.

Questions

Questions regarding this position should be sent to Dr. Rima Schüssler ( ).

Application

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 by May 28 at the latest through our Online-Portal or to:

GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH
Abteilung Personal
Planckstrasse 1
64291 Darmstadt