The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2200 people.

For the Microscopy and Magnetism Group we are looking for a

Your tasks

You will investigate the ultrafast dynamics of electronic, magnetic and structural properties in perovskite and related materials. That also requires the characterisation of static properties of the materials. The goal is to understand the different basic interaction in solids and how they determine the dynamical properties. Experiments are based on ultrafast pump-probe techniques including the use of X-rays as a probe. For this purpose, you will perform X-ray scattering and X-ray spectroscopy experiments on the ultrafast time scales. Static experiments are performed at the Swiss Light Source (SLS) at the PSI and ultrafast dynamics will be studied at the X-ray free electron laser SwissFEL at PSI, or other XFEL's such as the LCLS (Stanford, USA), SACLA (Japan) or the Eu-XFEL in Hamburg. These investigations will be in close collaboration with colleagues of other groups in and outside of PSI.

Your profile

You have a PhD degree in physics and enjoy working in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment. You want to understand physics of complex oxides on the atomic level and its ultrafast dynamics and you can easily integrate yourself in a team. Expertise with fs lasers or with synchrotron/XFEL X-ray techniques will be of advantage. A good command of English is required.

We offer

Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.

Your employment contract is limited to 2 years.

For further information, please contact Dr Urs Staub, phone +41 56 310 44 94.

Please submit your application online (including list of publications and addresses of referees) for the position as a Postdoctoral Fellow (index no. 6313-01).

Paul Scherrer Institut, Human Resources Management, Noémie Lushaj, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland

www.psi.ch