Jochen Mikosch

A fully funded PhD position is open in Germany for research on femtosecond spectroscopy of chiral molecular ions . The project is part of the TRILOGY Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network under Horizon Europe , and it combines expertise in physics, chemistry, engineering, mass spectrometry, and ultrafast science. The doctoral researcher will be employed by Thermo Fisher Scientific Bremen GmbH for the full three-year PhD project and will work closely with the University of Kassel . The doctoral thesis will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Jochen Mikosch at the University of Kassel. The first 24 months are based at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Bremen, followed by a 12-month research period at the University of Kassel. The project contributes to TRILOGY’s effort to advance ultrafast chirality and develop next-generation spectroscopic methods based on attosecond light-driven electron dynamics. The specific research focus is the design, development, and testing of an instrument for chiral photoelectron spectroscopy of molecular ions . Research activities include adapting a high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometer and electrospray ion source, developing ion transfer systems, producing and accumulating negatively charged chiral molecular ions, carrying out ion-optical simulations, integrating experimental control systems, and performing PECD photo-detachment experiments with femtosecond laser pulses. The project also offers collaboration with international partners across the TRILOGY consortium and two funded research stays. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in physics, engineering, chemistry, or a related field, with strong experimental background in atomic, molecular, and optical physics. Experience with femtosecond lasers, ion traps/ion transfer optics, or charged particle detection is expected. Excellent English and good communication skills are required; Python experience is preferred. MSCA mobility eligibility applies, meaning applicants must not have spent more than 12 months in Germany during the last 36 months before recruitment and must not already hold a PhD. The deadline is 31 October 2026 . Applications should be submitted online and include a cover letter/motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts, and Master’s thesis; a publication and recommendation letter are optional.