Postdoc in Experimental Exotic Atom Research at the Marietta Blau Institute of Particle Physics (MBI) Austrian Academy of Sciences in United Kingdom

The Marietta Blau Institute for Particle Physics (MBI) at the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) is recruiting a Postdoc in experimental exotic atom research in Vienna. This is a full-time temporary position in the MBI Exotic Atoms group, initially for 2–3 years, with a possible extension of one year. The position starts from September 2026.

The successful candidate will contribute to two interconnected research directions. First, the role includes positronium and positronium chemistry experiments at MBI Vienna, with relevance to PET imaging, materials analysis, antihydrogen chemistry, and astrophysics. Second, the postdoc will work on development of the ASACUSA collaboration’s antihydrogen beam at CERN’s Antiproton Decelerator, supporting spectroscopy of the antihydrogen ground-state hyperfine structure.

Research tasks include designing, simulating, constructing, and performing novel experiments on positronium compounds such as positronium hydride; developing new positronium experiments; upgrading and maintaining the Vienna positron beamline; participating in CERN beamtime to improve the antihydrogen beam; optimizing cold antimatter plasmas and downstream spectroscopy systems; and maintaining the CERN positron beamline. The postdoc is also expected to publish results in high-impact journals, present at international conferences, and teach PhD and Master’s students in the group.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD or equivalent in experimental physics, ideally with a background in atomic or antimatter physics. Strong knowledge of atomic/molecular physics, experimental design and analysis, and common laboratory techniques is required. The profile also calls for practical experience with UHV systems, cryogenics, advanced electronics, particle/photon detectors, experiment control and simulation software, and data analysis in Python and C++. Additional strengths include experience with trapped charged particles, positron and positronium physics, ion physics, and collaborative work in international multidisciplinary settings.

The appointment is a full-time role of 40 hours per week and includes a minimum annual gross salary of EUR 70,167.44 on a full-time basis, in line with the Austrian Academy of Sciences collective agreement. Vienna-based laboratory and office work is combined with research activity at CERN as needed. The opportunity is based in Austria.

Applications should be submitted through the online portal. Candidates must upload a CV, cover letter, and publication list, and provide contact details for at least two references plus their availability for a start date. The application deadline is 15 August 2026.