PhD Position in Ultrafast Condensed Matter Physics

The Ultrafast Spectroscopy and Attosecond Science group at ETH Zürich welcomes applications for a fully funded Ph.D. position. We utilize state-of-the-art experimental infrastructure to investigate the dynamics of matter on its natural time scales, ranging from femtoseconds (1 fs = 10⁻¹⁵ s) to attoseconds (1 as = 10⁻¹⁸ s). The position is supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and is available immediately.

In contrast to classical systems, the quantum properties of matter provide extraordinary functionalities that can be harnessed for future applications. Quantum states arise at atomic length scales, where electrons play a key role. Understanding how these states form in condensed matter is vital for mastering novel material functionalities. To date, most studies have focused on detecting such states and measuring their decay.

However, the formation of these states remains little explored due to the extremely fast electronic dynamics and the limited experimental information available, which hinders the disentanglement of intertwined processes.

The Ph.D. candidate will work in the subgroup of Dr. Dmitry Zimin and focus on realizing novel experiments on ultrafast quantum dynamics in condensed matter. The candidate will acquire expertise at the frontiers of ultrafast science and apply it to conduct cutting-edge research on quantum materials.

Further project details will be discussed during the interview.

You will be entrusted with:

• Operation of state-of-the-art laser infrastructure.
• Design and implementation of a new experimental setup.
• Planning and execution of experimental campaigns.
• Analysis of experimental data.
• Collaboration with international experimental and theoretical research groups.
• Scientific writing and presentation of results at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.

During your research, you will:

• Receive extensive support, training, and supervision from the subgroup leader (Dr. Dmitry Zimin), as well as help from the international team of the Ultrafast Spectroscopy and Attosecond Science group.
• Gain access to a wide range of experimental and analytical facilities, including high-performance computing resources, and mechanical and electronic workshops.
• Have the opportunity to attend international summer schools and present your research at workshops and scientific conferences.
• Publish multiple high-impact publications and collaborate with partner groups at the University of Cambridge (U.K.) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (U.S.).
• Receive high ETH salary,employee benefits and stable long-term employement.

For salary information, please refer to:

We are looking for highly motivated, committed, and creative individuals who are able to work effectively in a team and possess excellent communication skills. Working in a world-class research environment with state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure, the candidate will have a unique opportunity to develop their research abilities at the frontiers of science.

• Successfully completed undergraduate studies (M.Sc.) in physics, optics, photonics, materials science, or a related field.
• Strong experimental skills in optics, spectroscopy, microscopy, or related areas.
• Experience in programming and data analysis using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• Experience in theoretical modelling (DFT, TDDFT, FDTD, COMSOL, etc.) is an advantage.
• Interest in scientific collaboration with experimental and theoretical groups.
• Ability to work independently and contribute to a collaborative lab culture.

• A Ph.D. degree from one of the most renowned universities in the world — ETH Zürich.
• The opportunity to conduct pioneering research at the forefront of science.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure.
• Collaboration and research opportunities with partner groups at the University of Cambridge (U.K.) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (U.S.).
• The opportunity to publish your work in high-impact scientific journals.
• A modern and inspiring workplace located on the ETH Hönggerberg Campus in Zürich.