Physiker (m/w/d)

At the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, we bridge the gap between basic research and technological advancement. Here, researchers from the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine collaborate across disciplines, supported by high-performance service facilities and a modern research infrastructure. As the largest institute of the Max Planck Society, with around 1,000 employees from more than 66 nations, we offer an inspiring, international working environment with exceptional scientific breadth.

The Department of Ultrafast Dynamics (Prof. Dr. Claus Ropers) is inviting applications for two

• PhD Student Positions (f/m/x)
• •Electron-Light Interaction in Silicon Photonic Nanostructures -

Study the interaction of free electrons with silicon nanostructures, including the investigation of quantum effects. Conduct scientific work at the emerging intersection of electron microscopy and quantum photonics. Primary emphasis is on ambitious experimental work using electron microscopes and silicon photonic structures.

The MPI-NAT invites applications for two fully funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Candidate positions, within the Horizon Europe Doctoral Network QUEST - Quantum Electrodynamics with Silicon Nanotechnology ( https://quest.dtu.dk/ ). QUEST brings together leading European universities, research institutes and innovative companies to advance quantum technologies through silicon nanotechnology. Within this network, you will be one of 15 doctoral candidates working on complementary research projects spanning semiconductor materials, nanofabrication, quantum photonics, quantum electrodynamics, advanced characterization and theoretical modelling.

The two PhD candidates will conduct research in the above-mentioned scientific field, while focusing on different areas of specialization.

Project 1 focuses on enhancing electron-light interactions in tailored nanostructures using flexible geometries and variable beam energies meanwhile project 2 will explore hybrid devices that couple local quantum states to electron beams.

One application applies to both projects simultaneously. If you have a preference, please indicate in your application which project interests you most. Candidates will be matched to a project based on qualifications, skills and their stated preference. The selected PhD candidates will participate in the EU-funded HORIZON-MSCA-2025-DN project QUEST, combining network-wide training activities with excellent research opportunities at MPI-NAT. You will be expected to work on your project in close collaboration with fellow PhD students in QUEST and with the other members of the Department of Ultrafast Dynamics. Together, you will explore, experimentally and theoretically, novel custom photonic devices tailored for efficient interactions with electron beams and solid-state quantum systems. In particular, this includes assisting the design and optical coupling of photonic structures, performing extended experiments in an electron microscope and complementing the results with numerical simulations. You are expected to communicate your results in the form of scientific publications and presentations at international conferences.

As part of the GAUSS PhD program at the University of Göttingen, you will complete several PhD courses and participate in teaching as a teaching assistant. You will also attend regular meetings with other PhD students and partners in the doctoral network, including two training schools and two workshops.

The duration of the stay in Göttingen (Germany) and the two secondments vary by project as follows: Project 1 is set to last a total of 36 months, which includes two 2-month secondments each to Copenhagen (Denmark) and Göttingen (Germany). Project 2 includes a 32-month stay in Göttingen and two 2-month secondments each to Copenhagen (Denmark) and Dresden (Germany), so that this project is also scheduled to last a total of 36 months. For the respective ...