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

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

The Department of Ultrafast Dynamics (Prof. Dr. Claus Ropers) invites applications for two PhD Student Positions (f/m/x) – Electron-Light Interaction in Silicon Photonic Nanostructures. The roles involve studying the interaction of free electrons with silicon nanostructures, including the investigation of quantum effects, and conducting scientific work at the intersection of electron microscopy and quantum photonics. The 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 (QuEST). QUEST brings together leading European universities, research institutes, and innovative companies to advance quantum technologies through silicon nanotechnology. Within this network, the candidates will be among 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 aforementioned scientific field, focusing on different areas of specialization:

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

One application applies to both projects simultaneously. Candidates will be matched to a project based on qualifications, skills, and stated preference.

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Participate in the EU-funded HORIZON-MSCA-2025-DN project QUEST, combining network-wide training activities with research opportunities at MPI-NAT.
• Work on the project in close collaboration with fellow PhD students in QUEST and other members of the Department of Ultrafast Dynamics.
• Explore, experimentally and theoretically, novel custom photonic devices tailored for efficient interactions with electron beams and solid-state quantum systems.
• Assist in the design and optical coupling of photonic structures, perform extended experiments in an electron microscope, and complement results with numerical simulations.
• Communicate results through scientific publications and presentations at international conferences.
• Complete PhD courses as part of the GAUSS PhD program at the University of Göttingen and participate in teaching as a teaching assistant.
• Attend regular meetings with other PhD students and partners in the doctoral network, including two training schools and two workshops.

Duration and Secondments

• Project 1: 36 months total, including two 2-month secondments each to Copenhagen (Denmark) and Göttingen (Germany).
• Project 2: 32-month stay in Göttingen and two 2-month secondments each to Copenhagen (Denmark) and Dresden (Germany), totaling 36 months.
• Relocation to project partners is expected for the respective secondments.

Qualifications

• Highly motivated and talented researcher with a Master’s degree (MSc or equivalent) in physics, chemistry, or engineering and an excellent academic record, preferably with demonstrated scientific achievements.
• Team-minded, reliable, self-driven, and with demonstrated excellence in electron microscopy, nano-optics, integrated photonics, or quantum optics during the Master's thesis (or equivalent).
• Academically curious, thinks deeply and creatively, and takes responsibility for project progress and quality.
• Strong communication skills in written and spoken English.
• Empathetic and enjoys working with others from diverse backgrounds.

Eligibility

• Must not have resided or carried out main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than twelve months during the three years immediately prior to the recruitment date, unless as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention.
• Must be a Doctoral Candidate (i.e., in the first five years of full-time equivalent research experience) and must not have been awarded a doctoral degree.

Working Conditions

• Salary in accordance with MSCA regulations for Doctoral Researchers, including a living allowance, mobility allowance, and family allowance (if applicable).
• PhD funding for 36 months.
• Full-time positions with a 39-hour workweek, starting on 01/01/2027 or by mutual agreement.
• The institute is committed to a diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities and aims to increase the number of employees with disabilities. Applications from all backgrounds are welcome.

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