Postdoc position (m/f/d) | Development and Application of an Ultra-Bright Coherent Soft X-Ray Beamline

The Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science (www.fhi.mpg.de) is one of the most internationally renowned research institutes. More than 400 employees in 5 scientific departments conduct and facilitate top-level research on historic grounds in Berlin-Dahlem, which is unique worldwide.

We currently offer a Postdoc position (m/f/d) Development and Application of an Ultra-Bright Coherent Soft X-Ray Beamline. 

The Department of Physical Chemistry of Prof. Martin Wolf is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our project focused on the realization of a bright tabletop coherent soft X-ray beamline, designed in collaboration with Prof. Jens Biegert (ICFO, Barcelona).

Our advanced multi-millijoule 2200 nm OPCPA system is operational, and the X-ray beamline has entered its final implementation phase offering the successful candidate an exciting opportunity to advance the frontiers of tabletop X-ray technology, contribute to bring a next-generation light source online and employ it to explore ultrafast phase transitions, Mott physics, and coupled electron–lattice dynamics in complex materials.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Work on the optimization of high harmonic generation driven by multi-millijoule 2200 nm OPCPA.
• Design and refine a highly efficient X-ray spectrograph based on reflection zone plates.
• Generate and control ultrashort, tunable infrared pulses for time-resolved pump–probe experiments.
• Conduct time-resolved X-ray absorption spectroscopy (tr-XAS) and explore novel applications of emergent materials.
• Investigate femtosecond structural and electronic dynamics in quantum materials and 2D van der Waals systems.

This position combines instrument development and pioneering research to bring a world-class soft X-ray source to full operation and use it to tackle fundamental questions in correlated electron systems.

Requirements

• Successfully completed PhD degree in physics or a related subject.
• Hands-on experience with ultrafast and nonlinear optics.
• Broad background in ultrafast optics.
• Experience in high harmonic generation in gases
• Understanding of X-ray beamline instrumentation
• Excellent communication skills, and in particular good command of the English language.
• Programming skills: Python, MATLAB, Wolfram Mathematica etc.

In addition, research experience in one of the following fields is an advantage:

• Ultrafast pulse characterization (e.g. SHG-FROG)
• Work with high vacuum (HV) setups
• Solid state physics
• CAD design (e.g. Solid edge)
• LabVIEW

We offer

• An attractive, diverse work environment and a varied role where you make an important contribution to international research.
• A position as public servant in the TVÖD-E13 payment scheme initially limited to 2 years.
• Access to world-class laboratory and analytical infrastructure.
• Modern and predominantly electronic workflows.
• Attractive and individualized training opportunities, e.g., through the Planck Academy.
• Extensive on-site technical training
• Subsidy for the job ticket.
• Very good connections to public transport, bicycle parking, charging stations for e-cars, good parking facilities.
• A friendly and respectful international working environment.

Your application

Please submit your application via our online application portal as soon as possible including the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae    
• List of publications
• Names and email addresses of three references.

Applications will be accepted from immediately until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Ugaitz Elu (elu@fhi.mpg.de) or Prof. Martin Wolf (wolf@fhi-berlin.mpg.de)

Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Faradayweg 4-6, 14195 Berlin

Max Planck Society

The Max Planck Society endeavors to achieve gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society aims to increase the participation of women in research. Therefore, applications by women are particularly welcome. The Max Planck Society is also committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

Berlin

The Fritz Haber Institute (FHI) is located in the quiet south-west of Germany’s capital Berlin, which is a large, tolerant, and cosmopolitan city. Berlin offers a wide variety of culture, art, music, and outdoor opportunities.