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: 26.50-4200

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.

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: 26.50-4200

to be filled as soon as possible.

The mass of particles is a fundamental property, and its precise determination allows contributions to be made 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 (Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 063002 (2025)), determining the neutrino mass (Nature Physics 20, 921–927 (2024)), and determining excited states in the atomic shell (Nature 581, 42–46 (2020)).

However, high-precision mass measurements have so far been limited to light and medium-heavy ions or medium charge states. A Helmholtz Investigator Group has therefore been established at the Helmholtz Institute 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, such 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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