PhD Position in Accelerator Physics – Ultra-sensitive Beam Intensity Measurement (m/f/d)

At the GSI beam instrumentation group new diagnostics devices are permanently developed to match the requirements of the upcoming Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR) at GSI/Darmstadt, Germany. One of the major fields of research is the non-destructive measurement of beam intensity in the high energy beam transport sections and in the storage rings.

In the frame of a Collaboration supported by the BMBF (German Ministry of Research), extensive investigations on a superconducting SQUID based Cryogenic Current Comparator (CCC) for intensity measurements down to the nA range have been performed. This device measures the beam intensity via the beam magnetic field (fT-range), which requires meticulous shielding. The results from the prototype measurements led to the design of an advanced CCC for FAIR, which was successfully tested in the Cryring@ESR facility.

Within the BMBF collaboration steps for optimization and further improvement of this detector as well as the associated cryostat have been defined, in parallel, alternative detector concepts are under development. The work related to these topics is particularly attractive for ‘hands on’ physicists or electrical engineers, who have at the same time strong interest in fundamental physics and high-end technology. It covers a large spectrum of topics in the accelerator field, like mechanical design, vacuum, cryogenics, superconductivity, electronics, simulations, control applications, beam operation, data acquisition etc. The focus of the PhD work can to some extend be defined according to the inclination of the candidate. However, the goal is the setup, commissioning of an ultrasensitive and reliable diagnostics device for FAIR, as well as its optimization and comparison with other diagnostic schemes.

Your responsibilities:

In the frame of a Collaboration supported by the BMBF (German Ministry of Research), extensive investigations on a superconducting SQUID based Cryogenic Current Comparator (CCC) for intensity measurements down to the nA range have been performed. This device measures the beam intensity via the beam magnetic field (fT-range), which requires meticulous shielding. The results from the prototype measurements led to the design of an advanced CCC for FAIR, which was successfully tested in the Cryring@ESR facility. At the GSI beam instrumentation group new diagnostics devices are permanently developed to match the requirements of the upcoming Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR) at GSI/Darmstadt, Germany. One of the major fields of research is the non-destructive measurement of beam intensity in the high energy beam transport sections and in the storage rings.

Within the BMBF collaboration steps for optimization and further improvement of this detector as well as the associated cryostat have been defined, in parallel, alternative detector concepts are under development. The work related to these topics is particularly attractive for ‘hands on’ physicists or electrical engineers, who have at the same time strong interest in fundamental physics and high-end technology. It covers a large spectrum of topics in the accelerator field, like mechanical design, vacuum, cryogenics, superconductivity, electronics, simulations, control applications, beam operation, data acquisition etc. The focus of the PhD work can to some extend be defined according to the inclination of the candidate. However, the goal is the setup, commissioning of an ultrasensitive and reliable diagnostics device for FAIR, as well as its optimization and comparison with other diagnostic schemes.

Your profile:

• We are looking for a skilled, motivated physicist with a very good university degree (Master of Science or equivalent) in physics or electrical engineering, who likes to combine practical laboratory work with exploration of basic principles and theoretical background by doing simulation calculations.
• Highly sensitive measurements in an accelerator environment are a challenge - just as the construction of complex, superconducting diagnostics devices is. Besides a good eye for physical correlations and basic experience in some of the above mentioned fields, a positive working attitude, strong determination and persistency are indispensable requirements for the job.
• Working contract is signed at FSU Jena, place of work is GSI Darmstadt with occasional (weekly) stay at Jena for laboratory tests.
• Since we have close collaborations with other laboratories, and are part of a research network, documentation and communication with partners like Leibnitz IPHT-Jena, TU-Darmstadt and CERN play and important role, so open-mindedness and social competence are expected from the candidate.

We offer:

• The candidate will work in the field of high-end technologies, on an interesting and challenging device, which combines numerous aspects of physics and technology. Practical and theoretical aspects are well balanced.
• Practical experience in the multi-national accelerator facility at GSI will be gained. Introduction to the world wide accelerator community and top level institutes is offered. Part time stays at other institutes and accelerator laboratories is foreseen as well as participation in international accelerator conferences.
• Participation in a group, which is world leading in the development of beam intensity monitors.
• An excellent working atmosphere in a dynamic growing laboratory, where the ambitious and widely noticed FAIR project is becoming reality.
• There will be a realistic time schedule and planning for all steps of the thesis, supervised by competent staff.
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L / 50%) at salary scale 13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications —, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.
• Publications related to the topic of the thesis can be found under: http://www-bd.gsi.de/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=projects:ccc:papers

The advertised position is limited to a maximum of 3 years. Working contract is with FSU Jena, place of work is GSI Darmstadt with occasional weekly stay at Jena for laboratory tests.

GSI aims to increase the num­ber of women in scientific positions. Female candi­da­tes are therefore parti­cu­lar­ly encouraged to apply.

Are you eager to work for us? Then submit your detailed application (cover letter, curriculum vitae, certifications and photo) by email (one PDF file), stating the vacancy ID 297/2021 by 15.09.2021 to:

    In case of any questions, please also do not hesitate to contact Dr. Thomas Sieber, [email protected] and/or apl. Prof. Frank Schmidl [email protected] . Since all application documents will be duly destroyed after the recruitment process, we ask you to submit only copies of your documents. Please also note the information on the collection of personal data at