Postdoctoral Position in Ultrafast Laser Spectroscopy of Quantum Materials

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.

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.

• 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 experimental solutions

• You are eager to take ownership of sophisticated instrumentation and continuously extend its capabilities

• You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment at the interface between ultrafast optics and condensed-matter physics

• You communicate scientific ideas clearly, including to colleagues outside your immediate research field