Postdoc/Doctoral Candidate in Physics: Join the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), the national metrology institute of Germany, as a postdoc/doctoral candidate in the “opticlock” project. Working in Department 4.4, Time and Frequency, at the Braunschweig site, you will contribute to the development and improvement of optical clocks with trapped ions. This project offers a unique opportunity to engage in experimental research within an internationally renowned time laboratory. The position is full-time, with a fixed-term contract of three years.
Summary Table:
- Designation: Postdoc/Doctoral Candidate
- Research Area: Physics
- Location: Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Braunschweig, Germany
- Eligibility/Qualification: Completed university studies (German Diplom or Master’s) in physics. For postdocs: Doctorate in experimental physics.
- Job Description: Contribute to the revision, improvement, and use of the “opticlock” overall system in collaboration with industry partners. Extend experimental setup, evaluate frequency shifts, implement state detection and laser cooling, participate in measurement assignments, and analyze comparison measurements with other optical clocks.
- How to Apply: Submit your application online or by post to the provided address (details in the job post).
- Last Date for Apply: Applications accepted from May 16, 2023, until July 11, 2023.
Job Description: As a postdoc/doctoral candidate, you will work within Department 4.4, Time and Frequency, at PTB’s Braunschweig site. The “opticlock” project focuses on the development and enhancement of optical clocks using trapped ions, particularly the Yb+ ion. These clocks contribute to high-precision timekeeping and have applications in quantum technologies. PTB is a world leader in various fundamental physics tests using Yb+ clocks.
Your tasks will involve collaborating with industry partners to revise and improve the “opticlock” overall system. This includes extending the experimental setup, lasers, and laser optics. Additionally, you will contribute to the expansion of the experiment control system with ARTIQ, evaluate systematic frequency shifts, develop new procedures for interrogating the reference transition, implement efficient state detection and laser cooling, and participate in measurement assignments at European project partners. Furthermore, you will conduct comparison measurements with other optical clocks, particularly in the search for violations of the equivalence principle.
Your Profile:
- Completed university studies (German Diplom or Master’s) in physics
- For postdocs: Doctorate in experimental physics
- Knowledge and experience in fields such as atomic physics, laser spectroscopy, laser stabilization, analog and digital electronics, automated data acquisition, and programming are advantageous
- Highly committed and capable of working independently
- Strong team player with excellent communication skills
- Good command of both German and English (oral and written)
- Interest in experimental activities and possess experimental skills
- Willingness to travel within Germany and abroad
We Offer:
- Position at one of the world’s leading research institutions with excellent infrastructure
- Outstanding national and international networking opportunities
- Remuneration in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Public Service covering federal employees (TVöD)
- Family-friendly work environment with flexible work options and part-time schemes
- 30 days of paid annual leave
- Workplace health and wellness options
- Convenient transport connections (bus and bike), public transport subsidy (Jobticket-Deutschland), and free parking
