Postdoctoral Position in Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy of Quantum Materials

The FERROIC Lab (Laboratory for Functional Ferroic Materials) at ETH Zurich applies advanced ultrafast laser spectroscopy from the Terahertz to the ultraviolet spectral range to discover, control and understand novel quantum phenomena in condensed‑matter systems. By combining state‑of‑the‑art spectroscopy with strongly correlated electron systems, we seek to uncover fundamental physical phenomena that emerge far from equilibrium.

Our laboratory continuously develops and expands its experimental capabilities rather than relying solely on established instrumentation. We operate advanced ultrafast laser spectroscopy platforms spanning the spectral range from the Terahertz to the ultraviolet and continuously implement new experimental concepts and measurement capabilities. Our research is complemented by nonlinear optical microscopy, cryogenic experiments, atomic force microscopy, magnetic and dielectric characterization, oxide thin‑film growth, and close collaboration with leading theoretical groups.

We pursue fundamental experimental research while maintaining a strong connection to microscopic theory and, where appropriate, future technological opportunities.

The project investigates how intense ultrafast optical or Terahertz excitation can generate, manipulate and probe novel dynamical states in quantum materials. A central research direction is the exploration of non‑Hermitian phase transitions, a recently discovered and fundamentally new class of phase transitions that emerges in the non‑equilibrium dynamics of driven systems. The project aims to establish their microscopic origin, identify their universal properties and explore their manifestation across a broad range of strongly correlated materials.

More broadly, the project builds on a background of fundamental questions of ultrafast light–matter interaction in condensed‑matter systems where strong electronic correlations give rise to emergent collective phenomena. Many of the materials, dynamical states and physical mechanisms under investigation remain largely unexplored, providing exceptional opportunities to discover new physical phenomena and establish new concepts in condensed‑matter physics.

• You will design, build and further develop advanced ultrafast laser spectroscopy experiments operating in the optical and/or Terahertz spectral range.
• Depending on your expertise and scientific interests, your research may focus predominantly on optical spectroscopy or on Terahertz spectroscopy.
• You will investigate ultrafast dynamical processes on femtosecond and picosecond time scales using pump–probe techniques.
• In addition to performing experiments, you will contribute to the continuous development of our experimental infrastructure and implement new measurement concepts.
• This is a genuinely hands‑on experimental position.
• You will have primary responsibility for designing, building, optimizing and continuously extending your experimental platform, including optical alignment, troubleshooting, upgrades and routine maintenance.
• We are looking for researchers who enjoy working directly with sophisticated laser systems and regard instrumentation development as an essential part of outstanding experimental physics rather than merely a prerequisite for data acquisition.
• Because many of the investigated phenomena are unexplored, the project offers substantial scientific freedom.
• You will have the opportunity to develop original experimental strategies, question established approaches and pursue new ideas whenever conventional solutions prove insufficient.
• Close interaction with international collaborators and leading theoretical groups will complement the experimental work.

• You hold (or are about to complete) a PhD in experimental physics or a closely related discipline.
• You have substantial hands‑on experience with ultrafast laser systems.
• Experience in condensed‑matter physics is advantageous.
• You like working on challenging scientific problems and are motivated to understand physical phenomena at their microscopic roots.
• You are highly motivated, self‑organized, creative and enjoy developing unconventional…