Stellenangebot: PhD student for TIQTOC optical atomic clock experiment for Ultra-light Dark Matter bei Dt Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY Personalabteilung

For our location in Zeuthen we are seeking:

PhD student for TIQTOC optical atomic clock experiment for Ultra-light Dark Matter

Remuneration Group E13 | Limited: 3 years | Starting date: 01.01.2027 | ID: APDO006/2026 | Deadline: open | Part-time

DESY, with more than 2900 employees at its two locations in Hamburg and Zeuthen, is one of the world's leading research centres. Its research focuses on decoding the structure and function of matter, from the smallest particles of the universe to the building blocks of life. In this way, DESY contributes to solving the major questions and urgent challenges facing science, society and industry. With its ultramodern research infrastructure, its interdisciplinary research platforms and its international networks, DESY offers a highly attractive working environment in the fields of science, technology and administration as well as for the education of highly qualified young scientists.

The Zeuthen location of DESY has a strong focus on astroparticle and particle physics (gamma-ray and neutrino astronomy, and collider particle physics). The experimental groups are accompanied by a strong theory group. DESY Zeuthen is responsible for developing and delivering detectors for astroparticle and particle physics experiments, and is actively engaged in R&D for future applications.

With the Centre for Quantum Technology and Applications (CQTA), DESY Zeuthen is taking a leading role in applying quantum technology to challenges in particle and astroparticle physics. A new search for the effects of ultralight dark matter is being constructed, using ultra-sensitive optical atomic clocks as the sensing element. The post holder will contribute to this search, developing a test setup for networked clock comparison and frequency stabilisation. The post holder will also help to develop the procedures to collect and analyse the frequency comparisons, forming the basis of fundamental physics searches for (e.g.) ultralight dark matter.

About your role:

• Active role in developing test infrastructure for optical atomic clocks and comparison to reference clocks
• Develop instrumentation for measuring fundamental constants
• Participate in building up clock-based experiments at Humboldt University, DESY, Heidelberg or U. Birmingham
• Analyse experimental atomic clock data and participate in the interpretation of results

About you:

• Experience in one of the relevant physics fields (e.g. particle, atomic/nuclear physics, quantum optics) with Master's degree or equivalent
• Experience with detector physics, with good computer programming skills
• Very good command of English is required and knowledge of German is of advantage
• Willingness to travel and participate in working meetings, conferences, and field work abroad (e.g. at MPIK Heidelberg)
• Strong motivation, very good organizational skills, resilience; ability to work in teams and excellent communication skills

Good reasons to join:

Look forward to a unique working environment on our international research campus. Respectful cooperation and the well-being of our DESY employees are particularly important to us. Gender equality is an important aspect for us. To support work life balance we offer flexible working hours and variable part-time. You will benefit from our family-friendly and collegial atmosphere, our established health management and occupational pension provision. As a public funded employer, we offer you a secure workplace and facilitate your individual career with our comprehensive training and development opportunities. Remuneration is according to the regulations of the

TV-AVH. DESY offers its employees a financial supplement for a German job ticket (Deutschland-Ticket) at both locations.

For further information please contact Prof. Steven Worm at +49 33762-7-7208 (steven.worm@desy.de).

DESY in Zeuthen does not grant doctoral degrees directly but collaborates with the University of Potsdam or the Humboldt University. Candidates for thesis research will have to satisfy the terms of admission for doctoral theses of the University. PhD students receive a monthly salary of 67% of the payment of the remuneration group 13 TVöD (Federal Government).

Please submit your complete application documents (letter of motivation, CV, relevant certificates and two letters of references) via our application portal. Please use our online tool for the submission of the letters of reference: Additional application documents

We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal:

-› Apply now 

DESY promotes equal opportunities and diversity. The professional development of women is very important to us and therefore we strongly encourage women to apply for the vacant position.

Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preference if they are equally qualified (sbv.desy.de).

You can find further information here: https://www.desy.de/career/

Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY