Doctoral Scientist in Atomic and Quantum Physics and Spectroscopy of Highly-Charged Ions

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.

Scientist / Researcher (m/f/d) – Atomic and Quantum Physics and Spectroscopy of Highly‑Charged Ions – Part time (65%)

Highly charged ions are ideal for research in atomic and nuclear physics, fundamental physics and the search for previously unknown physics beyond the Standard Model. In such ions, the remaining electrons are extremely strongly bound to the nucleus, which makes these systems highly sensitive to fundamental effects. Furthermore, highly charged ions are robust against external disturbances because of the strong binding of the electrons to the nucleus. This facilitates highly sensitive tests of fundamental physics.

As part of the HiTHOR project funded by the European Research Council ERC, the SPECTRAP Penning trap experiment at the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research in Darmstadt plans to perform spectroscopy of hyperfine transitions in heavy, highly charged ions in order to test quantum electrodynamics in strong fields. Another motivation is to measure the clock transition of the thorium nucleus for highly‑charged ions (Th89+) for the first time in a Penning trap.

Responsibilities

• Operate a precision ion trap, including the vacuum and cryogenic technology, as well as ion optics used there.
• Characterise the trap with ions from an offline source, using both electronic and optical detection.
• Develop and install laser systems for thorium spectroscopy.
• Conduct initial complex laser spectroscopy experiments.

Qualifications

• University degree (master’s or equivalent) in physics with very good grades.
• High level of motivation and commitment to tackling new challenges.
• Ability to work independently, reliably and carefully.
• Talent for practical work in the laboratory.
• Ideally basic knowledge of a programming language (e.g. Python) and electronics, and/or willingness to learn or deepen these skills.
• Enjoys working in an interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication skills in English.

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; 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 about the Helmholtz Institute Jena, GSI and FAIR is available at , and . For any questions, please contact Dr. Stefan Ringleb (stefan.ringleb(at)uni-jena.de ) or Dr. Rima Schüssler (r.schuessler(at)gsi.de ).

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 26.49‑4200 by April 22 at the latest through our online portal or to:

GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH
Abteilung Personal
Planckstrasse 1
64291 Darmstadt

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