ERC-funded positions, Photonics and Ultrafast Laser Science Group, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany (Deadline: 04.07.2025)

Two PhD student positions (eventually Postdoctoral positions) are available in the Photonics and Ultrafast Laser Science (PULS) group (www.puls.rub.de) at the Ruhr-University-Bochum in Germany related to filaments and laser-plasma interactions in gases; and Terahertz science and technology. The positions will be funded through a newly funded ERC Consolidator grant project EXPLORE and are available as soon as possible.

We are looking for excellent, highly motivated candidates with a strong background in physics and/or electrical engineering or related disciplines in natural sciences and engineering. I would greatly appreciate if you could share the following advertisement for PhD research positions (eventually also postdoctoral positions) with suitable candidates in your network and university/institution. 

Projects

(1) Ultrafast laser-plasma interactions in air at high laser repetition rates >> 100 kHz. The work will consist of building experimental setups utilizing various high-power ultrafast laser systems to drive and characterize plasma filaments in gases, using established plasma diagnostic methods such as optical emission spectroscopy, interferometry, and capacitive probing, as well as working on 0D global models for plasma kinetics using Python and COMSOL. The project will involve collaborations both with experimental and theory groups abroad performing filamentation and 3D plasma simulations; but also will involve internal collaboration with laser development sub-teams within the research group

(2)   High average power few-cycle THz technology and applications. One of the goals of the EXPLORE project is to ultimately develop very efficient, ultra-broadband Terahertz sources with very high average power and repetition rates for advanced imaging applications. The tasks here include building nonlinear conversion setups adapted for high average powers, studying and simulating nonlinear conversion mechanisms, developing novel THz pulsed detection methods, and applying the developed sources for novel THz imaging scenarios. Here also, collaborative efforts with world-renowned experts in advanced fast detection methods and imaging techniques will be an integral part of the project.  

What we offer

The PhD positions are fully funded at 100% level (German salary scale TVL E13/100%). The salary is highly competitive, and funding is provided for attending international conferences and for research visits abroad.

The selected candidates will join a young and international research environment at the forefront of of high-power and high-repetition rate ultrafast lasers and THz technology, and the investigation of high-repetition rate laser filamentation.  

The projects will take place in state-of-the-art high-power laser labs, where many different cutting-edge laser systems are available (for example, a 500 W average power, 10kHz/100kHz repetition rate, femtosecond laser system, among others), and renowned expertise is present in the group to tailor these laser systems to the different application areas.

Beyond many collaborations with internationally recognized researchers, the PULS group is part of the several collaborative research clusters (Cluster of Excellence RESOLV https://www.solvation.de/, Collaborative Research Center MARIE https://www.trrmarie.de/sfbtrr196marie/) and is thus active part of a vibrant and multi-disciplinary (engineering, physics, chemistry) research community focusing on spectroscopy, imaging and sensing. The selected candidates will be exposed to this environment, which spans beyond the University of Bochum into the University Alliance Ruhr (https://www.uaruhr.de/en/) to include the University of Duisburg Essen and the Technical University of Dortmund.

Qualifications

We are looking for excellent, highly motivated candidates with a strong background in physics and/or electrical engineering or other related disciplines in natural sciences and engineering with excellent grades. Ideally, the candidate already has experience in ultrafast science and technology, nonlinear optics, and eventually laser-plasma or Terahertz technology depending on the interest in the positions above. Good programming skills are required. Excellent communication skills and a desire to work in an international setting are essential.

We are particularly seeking outstanding and highly motivated candidates who have the ability to be self-driven but willing to work in a team to solve complex tasks and experimental setups.

Our labs are equipped with the majority of the instrumentation and infrastructure needed to begin the ERC project, with more specialised devices already on order. We aim to deliver significant research output within the first years. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated PhD student to contribute to impactful research.

To apply

Interested applicants are encouraged to send the following documents directly to Prof. Clara Saraceno (clara.saraceno@ruhr-uni-bochum.de and puls-office@ruhr-uni-bochum.de):

  • cover letter (max. one page) describing the scientific background and how it aligns with the project,
  • grade transcripts,
  • CV
  • list of two academic references, including their contact details and affiliations.