4-year postdoc / scientist position in the field of mid-IR frequency comb spectroscopy

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

The potential of dual-comb spectroscopy (DCS) is rapidly unfolding and opens up new fields of applications. You will leverage on DCS to develop a mid-IR spectrometer for vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) with unprecedented spectral resolution, sensitivity, and speed. Together with our partners, you will apply this instrument to study the ro-vibrational nature of chiral molecules in the gas phase, e.g. for absolute configuration determination and molecular interaction studies.

This interdisciplinary project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Swiss Agency for Innovation Promotion. It lies at the interface of fundamental research and science-based innovation and involves close collaboration with our partners at ETH (Prof. F. Merkt and Prof. M. Quack) and ZHAW (Prof. J. Stohner).

• Develop a dual-comb spectrometer geared towards Vibrational Circular Dichroism
• Implement a frequency-locking scheme, and investigate novel (polarisation) schemes
• Collaborate with ETH and ZHAW, actively participate in the experiments, advise/guide for long-term knowhow transfer
• Publish the results in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences

You have a PhD in physics, photonics or a related field, with a strong experimental background in optics, laser spectroscopy or optoelectronics and the following skillsets: 

• Hands-on experience with data acquisition and analysis using Python, Matlab, or similar
• Self-motivating, independent-minded scientific researcher, effective collaborator
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required; oral expression skills in German are desirable

You can expect a vibrant international atmosphere in a leading research facility equipped with superior infrastructure and surrounded by interdisciplinary excellence. The position is available from April 2024 and will remain open until filled.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

DavidHeusser, HR Partner