GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH
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PhD Position in Laser-Driven Particle Sources and Medical Radioisotope Generation GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Germany
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Laser Physics
Funding
The position is part-time at 65% and limited to three years. The advert does not specify a salary, stipend, or tuition coverage.
Deadline
Dec 1, 2026
Country
Germany
University
GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH
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About this position
GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt is offering a PhD position within the EUROPA project, a European initiative developing laser-driven sources for the production of medical radioisotopes. The work is connected with GSI’s accelerator facilities and the FAIR project, providing an international research environment focused on fundamental research and applications in nuclear medicine.
The project investigates Laser-Plasma Acceleration as a versatile source of gamma rays, ions, and neutrons for generating artificial radioisotopes used in cancer research and treatment. The PhD researcher will contribute to optimizing laser-driven particle sources, with particular emphasis on developing a laser-driven alpha source using gaseous, optically shaped targets. A second research direction concerns laser-driven electron acceleration in the self-modulated laser-wakefield acceleration regime.
The research combines computational and experimental activities. The student will perform hydrodynamic simulations of optical shaping processes in gaseous targets and particle-in-cell simulations of laser-driven particle acceleration. The work also includes designing and conducting experiments at the PHELIX high-power laser system, validating simulation models, and participating in experiments at international European laser facilities.
The researcher will collaborate closely with postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and external academic and industrial partners. Activities include documenting experiments, analyzing results, and communicating findings through scientific journal publications and international conferences. The position offers access to advanced experimental infrastructure at GSI/FAIR and partner laser facilities while engaging with laser physics, plasma physics, particle acceleration, and medical radioisotope research.
Funding details
The position is part-time at 65% and limited to three years. The advert does not specify a salary, stipend, or tuition coverage.
What's required
Applicants should hold a completed university degree at Master's level or equivalent in physics, ideally focused on laser and/or plasma physics. Solid knowledge of laser physics or plasma physics is required. Basic programming skills, such as Python, and an interest in data analysis are expected. Experience with numerical simulation of laser-plasma interactions and hands-on optical setup experience are advantageous. Applicants should be motivated to work on theoretical, numerical, and experimental topics, work independently and in an organized manner, validate their results, and collaborate in an interdisciplinary team. Good written and spoken English is required; German language skills or willingness to acquire them is advantageous.
How to apply
Submit complete application documents, including your earliest possible starting date and reference number 26.155-1700, through the GSI online application portal by December 1, 2026.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.