Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology:
Chair of Nonlinearity Engineering

In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for 1

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) focusing on ultrafast laser physics

NLE is dedicated to exploring the fundamentals, as well as practical imlementation of how to design and experimentally realize nonlinear systems to achieve a certain pattern, structure or functionality to which the system will evolve largely by itself. We use modelocking of lasers and complex laser-matter interactions both as model systems and experimental tools to this end. Our interdisciplinary research involves laser physics, light-matter interactions, nonlinear and self-organized phenomena using a combination of experimental and theoretical work. While the research of NLE is motivated firstly by scientific curiosity, and a step-by-step systematic effort tackle the open questions, we also pursue and exploit its applications and technological implications, from advancing laser technology, material processing, and laser surgery, to the long-term vision to develop an "Atom Printer" based on laserdriven self-organization.

We seek a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in laser physics. The position is funded by the ERC Advanced Grant UNILASE. The research goal is to design and demonstrate a unique laser system and use it to exploit strongly collectively ultrafast pulsematter interactions, requiring lasers parameters never before achieved (sub-30 fs pulses at 0.1-1 THz repetition rate with kW average powers). The scientific motivation arises from a highly disruptive work we have recently completed (publication forthcoming), which itself builds upon the work Ilday et al., Nature, 2016. The ambitious goals for the laser itself call for multiple innovations each of which would advance the state of the art. In addition to experimental skills, attainment of these goals require a strong grasp of the principles of nonlinear propagation of ultrashort pulses.

Scope:

full-time

Duration:

fixed-term, 1 year

Start:

at the earliest possible date

Apply by:

2025-09-30

Your tasks:

Design and build experimental platforms preferably supported computational simulations.
Plan and perform the experiments.
Communicate and write scientific reports on progress, comprehensive scientific manuscripts, and write or contribute to the writing of scientific proposals.
Actively participate in lab/group meetings, present and disseminate scientific advances.

Your profile:

Ph.D. in physics, electrical engineering, photonics, or a closely related discipline.
Strong background in ultrafast and nonlinear optics, and/ or laser physics is required.
Experience in designing and building ultrafast fiber lasers and/or amplifiers, particularly with high-average-power and/or high-energy pulses involving Yb-based gain media, is considered an advantage.
Proficiency in English (C1 level required, C2 preferred) or having received at least one of the B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. degrees from a university where the medium of instruction is English.

We offer:

Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence
Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr
Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team
Extensive training and professional development opportunities
A job in the heart of the lively Ruhr metropolitan region with its diverse cultural offerings

Further information:

The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.

Further information can be found at https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/ (in German).

The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.

If the funding is provided exclusively by external third-party sources at the time of hiring, employees are not obligated to take on teaching duties.

German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en

The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.

Contact persons for further information:

Prof. Dr. Ömer Ilday +49 234 32 27645
Klara Wallbaum +49 234 32 27645

Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.

We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2025-09-30. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 4618.

Online application