PhD student (m/f/d) - Ultrafast Resonant Magnetic X-ray Scattering

The Max-Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI) conducts basic research in the field of nonlinear optics and ultrafast dynamics arising from the interaction of light with matter and pursues applications that emerge from this research. It develops and uses ultrafast and ultra-intense lasers and laser-driven short-pulse light sources in a broad spectral range in combination with methods of nonlinear spectroscopy. The spectral range includes in particular XUV radiation and soft x-rays, where experiments at in-house sources are complemented with the use of accelerator driven sources such as free electron x-ray lasers.

With its research, MBI fulfils a national mission and is an integral part of the international scientific community.

The Max-Born-Institute invites applications for a

PhD student (m/f/d)

in the field of Ultrafast Resonant Magnetic X-ray Scattering

within Division B “Transient Electronic Structure and Nanoscience” of the institute.

Job profile:

Magnetism is an essential part of current and future technologies, e.g. for storing and processing information, and is still one of the most fascinating and far-reaching phenomena in contemporary physics. Today, scientists utilize ultrashort light pulses to trigger and follow the most fundamental magnetic interactions on the relevant femto- to picosecond time scales, which generally also lead to a nanoscale spatial rearrangement of magnetization.

The goal of the offered PhD position is to directly access the ultrafast evolution of spatially inhomogeneous magnetization profiles and domain configurations to gain a detailed picture of the underlying light-driven processes.

Over the last few years, we have developed a state-of-the-art high harmonic generation (HHG) soft-X-ray source, providing < 25 fs pulses in the spectral range of 120-600 eV, driven by a powerful 2 µm OPCPA laser system at 10 kHz, which we now utilize for pioneering laboratory-based soft-X-ray scattering experiments. You will exploit the unique capabilities of this system to study the spatio-temporal evolution of magnetization in a variety of material systems by x-ray reflectometry, resonant small angle x-ray scattering and coherent x-ray imaging in pump-probe experiments. The experiments are complemented by research at complementary laboratory sources at MBI and free electron x-ray lasers such as FERMI in Trieste, or European XFEL in Hamburg.

The entire project will be realized in an inspiring environment with state-of-the-art laser lab instrumentation, longstanding expertise, as well as national and international collaborations. You will be part of an enthusiastic team exploring a fascinating field at the forefront of fundamental physics. In case of eligibility, the PhD studies can be embedded in the Berlin School of Optical Sciences and Quantum Technology BOS.QT and/or the collaborative research center Ultrafast Spin Dynamics.

Requirements:

We are looking for a student with a Master of Science or diploma degree in physics with above-average marks. You are highly motivated to perform laser and X-ray experiments as part of a team as well as independently. First experience with ultrashort laser pulses, magneto-optics, soft X-rays, coherent diffraction based imaging and a background in solid state physics are a plus, but not required. You should be open-minded, creative, and interested in working and communicating science at the intersection of ultrafast laser and X-ray physics.

Offer:

The researcher position is initially limited to 3 years. The payment is according to the German TVöD (Bund) salary scheme for scientists in public research institutions (75 %). The position is open until filled.

If equally qualified, severely handicapped persons are given preference. MBI is an equal-opportunity employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply.

MBI supports the reconcilability of family and working life and is certified by the audit workandfamily (audit berufundfamilie) as a family-friendly employer.

Please upload your application, including cover letter, curriculum vitae with a description of previous research activities, certificates, at least one reference and/or letter of recommendation electronically via the MBI online recruiting platform at https://mbi-berlin.de/career .

For further information about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Stefan Eisebitt (eisebitt(at)mbi-berlin.de ).