Doctoral candidate or postdoctoral researcher in physics, quantum optics or nanotechnologies (25-44-2B)

PhD Student

, Quantum Metrology

, Enabling Technologies

At our Braunschweig site, we are looking to fill the following position in Department 2.5 (Semiconductor Physics and Magnetism):

Doctoral candidate or postdoctoral researcher
in physics, quantum optics or nanotechnologies

For doctoral candidates:
Remuneration Group 13 TVöD Bund ○ Three-year fixed term ○ Part-time (33.15 hours/week)

For postdoctoral researchers: Remuneration Group 13 TVöD Bund ○ Two-year fixed term ○ Full-time

Your tasks:

PTB conducts fundamental research for developing new electronic quantum technologies. For this purpose, clock-controlled single-electron sources are being developed as a new metrological standard for electrical current based on semiconductor quantum dots. These sources emit single electrons or electron wave packets following the clock signal of a microwave source. As part of this research project, the time resolution and coherent properties of these sources are to be investigated for enhanced applications. These activities are part of a European collaboration program for developing new semiconductor electronics systems as an electronic counterpart to quantum optics.

You will support the project by performing the following activities:

• Planning and carrying out experiments in low-temperature cryostats for time-resolved characterization of electronic wave packets on the picosecond scale
• Investigating components for coherent single-electron circuits and implementing the respective experiment control system
• Developing data analysis methods for evaluating experimental measurement data
• Implementing tomography procedures in an experimental setting for characterizing coherent electron states and determining the measurement uncertainty
• Investigating low-noise microwave generators
• Publishing and presenting the research results

Your profile:

• You have completed your university studies (master’s degree or German Diplom) in physics or a comparable discipline with an overall grade of at least “good” or the equivalent for non-German degrees.
• You have basic programming skills (e.g., in Python, C++, Labview).
• You have a basic knowledge of electronics, and you ideally have experience in circuit design.
• You ideally have experience in the numerical analysis of physical models and experiments.
• You perform scientific work in an independent manner.
• You are a team player and have good communication skills.
• You have achieved A2 level in German and B2 level in English.
• You are willing to travel for work both in Germany and abroad.
• You are physically qualified to work in an experimental laboratory and a cleanroom.

We offer:

• Support for your doctoral work: You will carry out research as part of an internationally renowned team and will benefit from PTB’s excellent infrastructure. At PTB, you will be able to concentrate on your doctoral work without having to give lectures. Our support program for doctoral candidates additionally gives you the opportunity to network with your peers at the national and international levels, for example, at scientific conferences.
• Work-life integration: We offer flexible working arrangements and conditions (part time, flextime, work from home, telework, compensation days) to help you manage your family, care and career responsibilities in all of life’s phases.
• Transparent terms: Remuneration in accordance with Germany’s collective agreement for federal-level public service employees (TVöD Bund), 30 days of paid vacation and an employment-based pension plan for employees covered by the collective agreement are just some of the benefits of working at PTB.
• Location benefits: Our attractive campus offers an easy commute for drivers and cyclists as well as very good direct bus services. Plenty of free parking is available.
• Jobticket: We take environmental and climate protection seriously. To encourage commuting by public transportation, we offer a subsidy towards the cost of the Deutschlandticket Job.
• Family friendly: From daycare and dedicated parent-child offices to school holiday childcare, we offer a variety of ways to help you master the family-work balancing act.
• Inclusion: For people with disabilities, we offer an inclusive corporate culture and a range of integrative programs.
• Learning opportunities: We want to help you get ahead by offering a wide range of training and development programs to expand and enhance your skills.
• Health options: Your health is important to us, which is why we offer health promotion and maintenance programs, including workplace sports, a mobile massage service and back care classes.
• Canteen: Situated on our park-like campus grounds, our canteen offers a wide variety of culinary choices every day, including vegetarian/vegan options.

This is important to us:

PTB promotes gender equality and strongly encourages applications from female candidates. At the same time, we strive to reflect the diversity of our society. We therefore welcome every application submitted, regardless of the candidate’s gender, cultural or social background, religion, ideology or sexual identity. If equally suited to the position, disabled persons or persons having equivalent status under German law will be given preference.

Your application:

For subject-related questions concerning this position, please contact Department 2.5:
Dr. Niels Ubbelohde, phone: +49 531 592-2534, email: niels.ubbelohde(at)ptb.de.

We look forward to receiving your online application by 27 March 2025 under Ref. No. 25-44-2B. Please send us all the documents relating to your application comprising your CV, the relevant certificates and a letter of motivation that clearly shows your interest in this position. Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications sent via email.