PhD position- experimental strong field physics

Organisation/Company University of Rostock Department Institute of Physics Research Field Physics » Optics Physics » Solid state physics Physics » Quantum mechanics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Final date to receive applications 15 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Part-time Hours Per Week 30 Offer Starting Date 1 Nov 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

We offer a PhD position in the Emmy Noether Junior Research Group “Ultrafast Molecular Physics” that investigates ultrafast processes in molecules driven by intense laser pulses. The successful candidate will work with state-of-the-art femtosecond laser systems to study strong-field effects, particularly high-harmonic generation (HHG) in organic molecular crystals.

HHG is a powerful spectroscopic technique for studying electron dynamics on ultrashort timescales. Our research focuses on extending HHG to organic molecular crystals, where interactions between neighboring molecules play a crucial role and can enable long electron trajectories and the generation of high-energy harmonics.

Building on our recent finding that intermolecular interactions are essential for HHG in organic molecular crystals (Nat. Commun. 16, 9890, 2025), the position aims to investigate these processes using even shorter laser pulses and to resolve electron dynamics on timescales comparable to the optical cycle.

The candidate will gain hands‑on experience in nonlinear optics, molecular physics, strong-field physics, and attosecond science, while working in a state‑of‑the‑art, interdisciplinary, and supportive research environment.

• completed university degree (State Examination, Diploma, Master’s degree, or equivalent) in physics, photonics, or a related field, preferably with an excellent academic record
• very good knowledge of and initial experience in nonlinear optics, molecular physics, strong-field physics, and laser physics.
• experience in experimental research, particularly with femtosecond lasers and optical setups, is desirable.
• good command of English, both written and spoken, as well as basic knowledge of German or a willingness to acquire the necessary German language skills within a short period of time.
• good communication skills, particularly for presenting research findings.
• a strong commitment to and motivation for pursuing a scientific qualification (PhD).
• ability to work positively and constructively with a diverse group of people of different backgrounds, nationalities, ethnicities, genders, and other characteristics.
• ability to work independently, with concentration and a goal‑oriented approach, as well as effectively as part of a team.

• conduct research in the field of strong-field molecular spectroscopy of organic molecular crystals. In particular, generate ultrashort mid‑infrared (MIR) laser pulses and use these pulses in strong‑field experiments on organic molecular crystals, with the aim of pursuing scientific qualification (PhD).
• develop and set up experiments in the laboratory, analyze measurement data, and interpret the results.
• prepare and characterize organic molecular crystals
• contribute to scientific organizational tasks and publish research findings
• research‑based instruction of specialized knowledge and skills to students in the field of the project topic, with the primary aim of guiding students to conduct independent scholarly work

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Institute of Physics, University of Rostock Country Germany City Rostock Postal Code 18051 Street Albert‑Einstein‑Str. 23 Geofield