Overview
The Mueller group at Freie Universität Berlin is offering a DFG-funded Research Assistant (praedoc) position within the project ‘Luminescence Upconversion Nanoscopy – LUNA’. This role bridges mid-infrared and visible nanophotonics, focusing on nanoscale light-matter coupling phenomena in quantum materials.
Research Assistant (PhD Position) at Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
Position Details
| Feature | Details |
| Designation | Research Assistant (praedoc) / PhD Student |
| Department | Department of Physics |
| Institution | Freie Universität Berlin |
| Location | Berlin, Germany (with a willingness to join a possible move of the group to another university during the project) |
| Salary / Pay Grade | E 13 TV-L FU |
| Working Hours | 75% of standard working hours |
| Contract Duration | Limited to 2 years (extension of an additional 1.5 years possible following a positive interim evaluation) |
| Requisition ID | DM-PHY-759 |
| Application Deadline | 21.07.2026 |
Research Area
- Fields: Nanoscale light-matter coupling, polaritons, nonlinear optics, nanophotonics, 2D quantum materials, van der Waals heterostructures, and semiconductor nanostructures.
- Project: “Luminescence Upconversion Nanoscopy – LUNA” funded through the Emmy Noether Programme of the German Research Foundation (DFG).
Job Description
As a PhD student in this role, you will:
- Contribute to the construction of a new microscope for nonlinear spectro-microscopy combined with an ultrafast laser system.
- Investigate mechanisms of doubly-resonant upconversion enabling efficient conversion of infrared to visible light at the nanoscale.
- Work with 2D quantum materials and van der Waals heterostructures.
- Collaborate closely with international partners, present research results at international conferences, and publish in high-impact journals.
Eligibility / Qualification
- Key Requirement: A Master’s degree in physics or a related discipline, completed by the start date of the position.
- Experience: Prior research experience (e.g., via a Master’s thesis) in at least one relevant field: nonlinear optics, nanophotonics, 2D materials, or solid-state physics.
- Technical Skills: Experience with experimental methods (ideally optical setups) and Python programming skills (preferably for lab instrument automation).
- Languages: Excellent command of written and spoken English, alongside strong scientific communication skills.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively via the university’s career portal. Applications sent by post or email will not be considered.
Prepare your application documents as a single PDF file containing:
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Certificates & Transcripts: Bachelor’s and Master’s study transcripts (if the Master’s is incomplete, submit a current transcript and state the expected completion date).
To apply, visit the official posting and click the “Apply now” button: Freie Universität Berlin Job Portal.
Contact for Queries: For further information, you can contact Dr. Niclas Mueller directly via the email listed on the official job page.
Last Date to Apply
- July 21, 2026
