Postdoc and PhD Positions in High-Energy Laser Systems for Fusion: Simulation Codes and Focal Zooming GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Germany

GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt is advertising two research positions within the LASE-FUSE project, focused on high-energy laser systems for fusion research. The project sits in the broader context of inertial confinement fusion and aims to build a digital-twin-style simulation platform for laser facilities, combining numerical modeling with experimental validation.

Openings: one Postdoc position on the development of simulation codes for high-energy laser systems for fusion, and one PhD position on modeling and experimental evaluation of focal zooming in high-energy laser systems for fusion. The postdoc role includes further development of the OPOSSUM simulation software, integration of amplification and transport models, detector modeling, experimental test setups, data analysis, and mentoring PhD students. The PhD project focuses on simulation and laboratory validation of focal zooming, including coherent and incoherent pulses, spatio-spectral phase/intensity modulation, and experimental benchmarking.

Research areas and keywords: laser physics, optics, photonics, plasma physics, fusion energy, numerical simulation, scientific software, experimental optics, focal zooming, incoherent pulses, cross-beam energy transfer, and digital twin modeling.

Eligibility highlights: the postdoc requires a PhD in physics or a closely related field, with strong simulation and programming skills; the PhD position requires a Master’s degree in physics or a related field, with interest in optics/photonics, programming, and experimental work. English is required; German is helpful but not mandatory.

Funding and duration: these are paid employment positions at GSI, not scholarships. The postdoc is limited to 54 months and the PhD position to 3 years. No stipend amount is stated in the post.

Application window: apply via the online portal by 2026-05-25 for the postdoc role. The PhD posting in the provided text states an application deadline of 2026-06-08.

Contact: Dr. Yannik Zobus ([email protected]).