10 PhD Positions – Ultrafast Nanoscopy

Innovation in science, and in quantum-, nano- and bio-technologies depends on a rigorous understanding of the inner workings of custom-tailored materials. Since the elementary building blocks of matter are constantly in motion, microscopic still images are often not sufficient on their own. To trace how functionalities of quantum materials or biochemical reactions emerge from microscopic dynamics, ultrafast videos of the nanoworld are required.
If you are interested in developing and using cutting-edge concepts to turn this long-standing vision into reality, join us in our ongoing research training group (RTG 2905 “Ultrafast nanoscopy – from single particle dynamics to cooperative processes“) and let’s explore the nanoworld in motion!

Your Job:
You will unravel key microscopic dynamics in physics and biology. Within our multidisciplinary team of distinguished researchers from physics and biology, experiment and theory, you will be enabled to focus on, for example:
• Pioneering novel concepts of nanovideography to resolve atomic-scale quantum dynamics and to trace ensuing cooperative processes in systems of increasing complexity, directly in ultraslow-motion pictures.
• Developing cutting-edge quantum theories to model both nanoscopy concepts and the quantum dynamics under investigation.
• Developing and advancing radically new nanoscopy ideas, such as lightwave scanning tunnelling microscopy, time-resolved momentum microscopy, near-field nanoscopy, fluorescence-based super-resolution microscopy, ultrafast atomic force microscopy, and time-resolved cryo-electron microscopy.
• Employing these one-of-a-kind approaches to study ultrafast elementary dynamics in nanoscale systems, ranging from electronic wave-packet motion in single molecules, molecular solids, and nanomaterials, to propagation of collective excitations, energy transfer in DNA origami structures, and ultrafast atomic forces.
• Sharing your results in scientific publications and at international conferences.
• Strengthening global collaborations in ultrafast nanoscopy by spending a three-month research stay at a leading institution abroad.

Your Profile:
We are looking for highly motivated colleagues who are eager to engage in interdisciplinary research and actively contribute to hands-on scientific work. In this role, you will directly apply and expand your knowledge to experimental and/or theoretical challenges in ultrafast nanoscopy and collaborate across disciplines. For this you have:
• A university degree (e.g. Master’s degree) in physics, biology, chemistry or a related field, completed in a timely fashion.
• Above-average academic performance in a research area relevant to ultrafast nanoscopy.
• Genuine curiosity and passion for ultrafast nanoscopy.
• Prior experience – theory or experiment – in one of the above microscopy concepts, ultrafast physics or biology is highly desirable, demonstrated through, e.g., a thesis or publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Programming skills, e.g., in Python are desirable.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset, contributing actively to team-based research and shared project goals.
• A clear interest in a specific RTG research project, ideally with initial ideas on how you would approach and work on it in practice.

Our Offer:
We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and and you will actively contribute to developing tangible solutions as part of your doctoral research. From day one, you will be closely involved in hands-on scientific work, gaining practical experience that directly shapes ongoing projects. We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:
• A vibrant work environment in the newly established Regensburg Center for Ultrafast Nanoscopy (RUN), featuring outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure.
• Development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of in-person training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers.
• Continuous scientific mentoring by two scientific advisors from complementing research areas to bridge the gap between physics and biology.
• Present your work and exchange ideas at international conferences and project meetings, gaining valuable experience in scientific communication and collaboration.
• Conduct a funded three-month research stay abroad, allowing you to work in a different research environment and expand your practical expertise.
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Office.

The position is for a fixed term of 3.5 years. Pay in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TV-L E13).
Place of employment: Regensburg Center for Ultrafast Nanoscopy (RUN), Regensburg, Germany.

We particularly welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds (e.g. regardless of age, gender, disabilities, sexual orientation/identity, as well as social, ethnic, and religious background). We strive to offer a diverse and inclusive working environment in which people enjoy equal opportunities and are able to fulfill their potential.