PhD position (m/f/d) | Lepton Symmetry Experiment

The Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics in Heidelberg is one of currently 85 research institutes of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science e.V. (MPG). As an innovative, internationally active research institution with about 400 employees we conduct experimental and theoretical basic research in the fields of High-Energy Astrophysics, Atomic and Molecular Physics (Quantum Dynamics) as well as Particle and Astroparticle Physics.

The Lepton Symmetry Experiment (LSym) group at the Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik in Heidelberg (Germany) offers a PhD-position (m/f/d). 

LSym will explore the symmetry of matter and antimatter in the lepton sector and search for a possible charge-parity-time (CPT) violation with electrons and positrons in a Penning trap. LSym is funded by the European Research Council (ERC) and led by Priv. Doz. Dr. Sven Sturm.

Working field / your tasks

We will trap a single positron and an electron simultaneously in a cryogenic Penning ion trap and cool them to the quantum ground-state of motion. Then, using coherent spin manipulation, we search for a possible tiny difference of their properties (mass, charge or magnetic moment) – which would indicate physics beyond our standard model and help understanding what happened to the antimatter in the early universe.

As a successful candidate you will

• Participate in the development of a world-leading precision experiment
• Perform precision measurements with single matter and antimatter particles that are stored in a Penning trap
• Develop superconducting electronics and deep-cryogenic technology beyond the current state of the art
• Use and develop millimeter-wave technology

Requirements

The candidate will be offered to defend his/her doctoral work at the Heidelberg University. To be eligible for PhD studies at the University of Heidelberg, applicants should have a Master of Science degree (or equivalent). Applicants who do not have a Master thesis may be accepted if they can prove their ability to carry out independent research projects.

International applicants whose mother-tongue is not English or German have to provide a proof of English proficiency.

The salary will be paid according to the collective agreement for civil service employees in Germany (TVöD).

The Max Planck Society promotes the employment of disabled persons, strives for diversity and equal op-portunities including professional gender equality and excellent reconciliation of family and career. We have set our focus on increasing the proportion of women in areas in which they are underrepresented. The Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics is a family-friendly employer.

Further information can be obtained from Priv. Doz. Dr. Sven Sturm: sven.sturm@mpi-hd.mpg.de

Application

Applications, including a Statement of Interest, CV, list of grades (Bachelor, Master), publication lists and contact information of reference persons should be uploaded via our application portal with reference # 18- 2023.

Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik
Saupfercheckweg 1
69117 Heidelberg
Germany