Postdoctoral Researcher (all genders) for Adaptive Laser Architecture Instrumentation Ref. No.: 26.161-1701

The GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research in Darmstadt operates one of the world’s leading particle accelerator facilities for scientific research. In international collaboration, the new accelerator facility FAIR – Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research is currently under construction—one of the largest and most ambitious research projects worldwide.

GSI and FAIR provide the opportunity to work in a highly international environment with a team of dedicated professionals committed to advancing science at the highest international level.

Within the research project Adaptive Laser Architecture Development and INtegration (ALADIN), we are looking to fill the following position as soon as possible:

Postdoctoral Researcher (all genders) for Adaptive Laser Architecture Instrumentation

Posting-ID.: 26.161-1701

Project Context (ALADIN & PHELIX)

Future Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) energy facilities will require laser systems of unprecedented stability, capable of synchronizing hundreds of high-power beamlines. The ALADIN project introduces a systemic control approach known as the Adaptive Laser Architecture (ALA), which integrates real-time feedback, automation, and advanced diagnostics across the entire laser system chain – from the pulse source to the target.

In the work package LAOTSE (Laser Adaptive Optics Testbed for Stabilization Experiments), we continously develop and operate an experimental platform that emulates real-world laser dynamics for exploring cutting edge laser-beam control strategies in hard- and software. The long-term goal is to provide a clear beam control strategy with feasible software solutions for future laser fusion power plants.

Your responsibilities:

• Design and conduction of your own experiments for novel beam control systems, specifically for applications in future fusion power plants
• Extension, operation and maintenance of an optical testbench for adaptive optics
• Integration, testing and validation of control concepts from collaborations
• Technology transfer to fusion startup companies

Your Profile:

Core qualifications

• Doctorate (PhD) in physics, engineering, optics, or a related field
• Experience with building complex optical setups in experimental environments
• Ability to work independently on scientific tasks, along with strong team and communication skills
• Excellent German and English language skills, both spoken and written

Desirable experience

• Programming knowledge in Python
• Familiarity with TANGO Controls, EPICS, Karabo or other SCADA like systems
• Exposure to high-throughput, real-time, or data-intensive systems
• Participation in open-source or collaborative software projects

Personal qualities

• Independent, structured, and solution-oriented way of working
• Enjoyment of dynamic development and shaping architectures over the long term
• Comfortable working with incomplete specifications and refining them together with domain experts
• Strong communication and teamwork skills across disciplines
• Motivation to help build a lasting beam control foundation for future fusion-scale laser systems

• We Offer:
• Employment at GSI conducting research within the ALADIN project
• Research at the interface of fundamental and applied laser physics
• Opportunity to lead an experimental infrastructure of international relevance for fusion energy
• Involvement in an innovation-driven, dynamic project within a committed research team
• Publication of research results in renowned peer-reviewed journals and presenting findings at international conferences
• Career development and training opportunities in an excellent scientific environment

The position is a fixed term until April 2030. Salary and employment conditions are based on the German public service collective agreement (TVöD – Bund).

For more information about FAIR and GSI, please visit: www.fair-center.eu and www.gsi.de

If you have questions, feel free to contact Dr. Jonas Ohland (j.b.ohland(at)gsi.de).

GSI is committed to promoting equal opportunities and actively encourages applications from women.

Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if equally qualified.

If you consider this position an exciting professional challenge and are interested in working in an international, science- and technology-driven environment, please submit your complete application, including salary expectations and earliest possible starting date, quoting reference number 26.161-1701, no later than 23.11.2026, via our online application portal:

     Online-Bewerbungsportal

GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research

Human Resources Department

Planckstraße 1

64291 Darmstadt

Germany

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