Job Title & Overview
- Job Title: Postdoctoral Position in attosecond chiroptical coincidence spectroscopy
- Employment Type: Full-time (100%), Fixed-term (1 year, renewable up to 5 years)
- Research Group: Ultrafast Spectroscopy and Attosecond Science group
- Department: Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences
Summary
The Ultrafast Spectroscopy and Attosecond Science group at ETH Zurich is seeking a Postdoctoral researcher for Attochirality, a new ERC Advanced Grant project. This project establishes attosecond chiroptical pump-probe spectroscopy by combining a 100 kHz few-cycle Yb-fibre laser, circularly polarized isolated attosecond pulses, tuneable 1-2 fs deep-ultraviolet/near-infrared pulses, and electron-ion coincidence detection in a reaction microscope. The successful candidate will play a leading experimental role in establishing the new optical platform and spin-resolved detection capability.
Postdoctoral Opportunity in Attosecond Science at ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Key Information
| Category | Details |
| Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher / Postdoc |
| Location | Zurich, Switzerland |
| Preferred Start Date | October 1, 2026 (or upon agreement) |
| Application Review Starts | July 13, 2026 (open until filled) |
Research Area
- Attosecond Science & Ultrafast Spectroscopy
- Chiral Molecular Dynamics (chiral electronic wave packets, charge migration, and charge transfer)
- Advanced High-Harmonic Generation (HHG) & XUV Optics
- Charged-particle Momentum Spectroscopy (Reaction Microscopes / COLTRIMS)
Eligibility & Qualifications
- A PhD in experimental atomic, molecular, or optical physics, physical chemistry, photonics, laser physics, or a closely related field (must be completed by the starting date).
- A strong publication record demonstrating independent experimental research.
- Substantial hands-on experience in at least two of the following:
- Femtosecond or attosecond laser systems
- High-harmonic generation (HHG)
- XUV beamlines
- CEP-sensitive experiments
- Ultrafast pulse characterization
- Charged-particle momentum spectroscopy / electron detectors
- Spin-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy
- Proven ability to design, construct, commission, and troubleshoot complex optical and vacuum instrumentation.
- Strong skills in experimental control and scientific data analysis (preferably using Python, C/C++, MATLAB, LabVIEW, etc.).
- Excellent written and spoken English, along with a collaborative, mentoring, and rigorous working style.
- Valuable assets: Experience with circular-polarization metrology, Mott or spin-LEED detectors, active interferometric stabilization, or high-repetition-rate laser systems.
Job Description
- Lead the Realization: Drive the implementation and commissioning of the optical platform for circularly polarized isolated attosecond pulses, integrating CEP stabilization, XUV optics, and active path-length stabilization.
- Method Development: Develop and validate methods for the complete temporal and polarization characterization of these pulses using 3D momentum-resolved photoelectron measurements.
- Instrumentation: Integrate and commission spin-resolved electron detection capabilities.
- Coordination & Support: Scientifically coordinate reaction-microscope experiments focusing on bound electronic wave packets, charge migration, and microhydrated chiral molecules.
- Mentorship: Guide and mentor doctoral and Master’s researchers in optical alignment, detector operation, data analysis, and good experimental practices.
- Collaboration: Partner closely with the internal team (including electronic and mechanical engineers) and external international collaborators in spin detection and theoretical modeling.
- Project Dissemination: Contribute to project planning, risk mitigation, publications, and presentations at major international conferences.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the ETH Zurich online portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Please prepare and upload your online application containing the following documents (in a single PDF where possible):
- A Cover Letter explaining your motivation and the relevance of your experience to the position.
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a complete publication list and conference contributions.
- A Concise Research Statement (maximum 2 pages) describing your principal scientific contributions and the experimental directions you would like to develop.
- Copies of Degree Certificates (including PhD certificate or confirmation of expected completion date).
- Names and contact details of 3 referees.
Note on Inquiries: Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Hans Jakob Wรถrner via email at hwoerner@ethz.ch (please note that applications should not be sent to this email address).
Last Date to Apply
- Deadline: The formal review of applications began on July 13, 2026, and the recruitment process will continue until the position is filled. Early application is highly encouraged.
