Research assistant (praedoc) (f/m/d) (DM-PHY-759)
Who We Are
The Mueller group studies nanoscale light-matter coupling phenomena in quantum materials. We use polaritons to shrink light to the nanoscale and employ ultrafast nonlinear optical techniques to bridge phenomena in the typically separate mid-infrared and visible spectral ranges. We aim to advance the understanding of 2D quantum materials, activate new coupling channels to convert light between different spectral ranges, and engineer materials through hybrid light-matter states. Our group is funded by the Emmy Noether Programme of the German Research Society (DFG).
More information is available on our website: https://www.physik.fu-berlin.de/en/einrichtungen/ag/ag-mueller/
What You Can Expect in Your New Role
As a PhD student, you will work within the DFG-funded project ‘Luminescence Upconversion Nanoscopy – LUNA’, which aims to bridge the traditionally separate research fields of mid-infrared and visible nanophotonics. Specifically, 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 that enable efficient conversion of infrared to visible light at the nanoscale,
- work with 2D quantum materials, van der Waals heterostructures, and semiconductor nanostructures,
- collaborate closely with international partners, present your results at international conferences, and work towards publications in high-impact journals.
The project is funded through the Emmy Noether programme of the German Research Foundation (DFG). The funding initially covers a period of two years; an extension of an additional 1.5 years is possible following a positive interim evaluation. Starting date: as soon as possible.
Key Requirements
Master's degree in physics or a related discipline, completed by the start of the position.
Your Profile
- Experience in at least one of the following fields, gained through your Master's thesis or other research projects: nonlinear optics, nanophotonics, 2D materials, solid-state physics.
- Experience with experimental methods, ideally in the area of optical setups.
- Python programming skills, preferably also for lab instrument automation.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English; experience with scientific communication in English.
- Enthusiasm for teamwork and strong motivation to work on open scientific questions.
- Willingness to join a possible move of the group to another university during the course of the project.
Have we sparked your interest?
Then we look forward to receiving your application documents as one pdf file:
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Certificates including transcripts of records from your Bachelor's and Master's studies. If you have not yet completed your Master's degree, please submit a current transcript of records and indicate when you expect to complete your degree.
Please submit your application exclusively via our career portal by clicking the "Apply now" button. Applications submitted by post or by e-mail unfortunately cannot be considered.
For further information, please contact Dr. Niclas Mueller (niclas.mueller@fu-berlin.de).
Equal opportunities and diversity
Freie Universität Berlin is committed to increasing the proportion of women in research and teaching and strongly encourages qualified female scientists to apply. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications. Applications from people of all nationalities are welcome.