PhD student positions (m/f/d) | Lasers and Squeezed Light

Job Offer from January 30, 2023

The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) is the largest research institute in the world specializing in general relativity and beyond. Around 200 international scientists work at the research labs and offices located in Potsdam-Golm and Hannover, Germany.

The Albert Einstein Institute in Hannover is offering two PhD student positions (m/f/d) in the “Lasers and squeezed light” research group , led by Prof. Benno Willke.

The Lasers and Squeezed Light group played a major role in providing key laser technologies for the current generation of gravitational wave detectors. Those technologies enabled the first direct detection of a gravitational wave, awarded the Nobel prize in 2017. Our group is intensely involved in the design and development of stabilized lasers and squeezed light sources for the current and next generation of gravitational-wave detectors, such as the Einstein Telescope and Cosmic Explorer.

We are looking for highly motivated experimental physicists that hold a master’s degree in physics with an interest in one or more of the following research topics:

• Coherent combination of two high-power fiber lasers and stabilization of the combined beam for prototyping a laser source for third-generation gravitational-wave detectors,
• Laser stabilization (power, frequency, spatial beam parameters) at low Fourier frequencies (1-100 Hz) with isolated low-noise sensors and innovative quantum techniques as a prototype for the Einstein Telescope gravitational-wave detector.

We are particularly interested in hiring motivated, communicative, creative, and proactive candidates. Skills in laser stabilization, laser interferometry, quantum opto-mechanics, and low-noise analog electronics are preferable.

The Albert Einstein Institute offers a unique research environment with groups working in ground and space-based interferometry, laser development, non-classical light sources, modern control, and gravitational-wave data analysis. Researchers are involved in all currently operating and planned gravitational-wave detector projects. Furthermore, the Albert Einstein Institute has well-equipped high-class optics laboratories and professional electronics and mechanical workshops.

Ph.D. students of the “Lasers and squeezed light” research group are well supported by weekly group meetings and regular supervision meetings. The integration in a generously funded research effort allows for the realization of own ideas. The lab work within a team of Ph.D. students and Postdocs provides for an optimal work environment to do excellent science.

Successful applicants will enroll to receive their Ph.D. degree from Leibniz University Hannover and will become members of the LIGO-Virgo-Kagra Scientific Collaboration and of the Quantum Frontiers Cluster of Excellence. Furthermore, AEI Ph.D. students join a coordinated Ph.D. program of our International Max Planck Research school with lectures on advanced topics, extended soft-skill training, and social events.

Payment is according to 75% TVöD E13 position of the German public services pay scale.

Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your online application. Please upload your complete application documents (including an informal motivation letter (max. 1 page), a CV, the master’s degree certificate, an official transcript, and the address of a senior scientist that would be willing to provide a reference letter) combined into a single PDF on our applicant portal . Applications may remain possible until the positions have been filled. Please note the data protection information .

For questions, please contact Marina Trad Nery marina.trad@aei.mpg.de  or Benno Willke benno.willke@aei.mpg.de  directly.