Olga Smirnova

The Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI) is a leading research institution specializing in fundamental studies of nonlinear optics and ultrafast dynamics resulting from light–matter interactions. MBI operates state-of-the-art ultrafast and high-intensity laser systems, as well as laser-driven short-pulse light sources covering a broad spectral range, including the extreme ultraviolet (XUV) and soft X-ray regimes. The institute’s advanced nonlinear spectroscopic techniques are complemented by access to large-scale accelerator-based sources, such as free-electron X-ray lasers, positioning MBI at the forefront of international research. MBI invites applications for a PhD student position in the field of Ultrafast Chirality for Life and Technology, as part of the EU MSCA Project TRILOGY. This Horizon Europe Doctoral Network aims to advance ultrafast chirality by leveraging attosecond light-driven electron dynamics to surpass the limitations of conventional chiro-optical methods. The project targets applications in life sciences and advanced technologies, developing next-generation, high-sensitivity spectroscopic tools to excite and probe electron motion in chiral molecules. Close collaboration with industrial partners ensures rapid translation of research into practical applications. TRILOGY unites 11 leading institutions across Europe to train 16 Doctoral Candidates in both theoretical and experimental ultrafast science. The programme offers a unique interdisciplinary environment, equipping researchers with competitive skills in fundamental physics, technology development, and industry engagement. The PhD position is full-time (39 hours/week) for a fixed term of three years, with a planned start date of October 1, 2026 (or shortly thereafter). Funding is provided through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, including a monthly Living Allowance of €4,058.12, Mobility Allowance of €710, and Family Allowance of €660 (where applicable). The gross monthly salary ranges from approximately €3,900 to €4,450, depending on individual circumstances. Additional support, such as a Special Needs Allowance, may be available. Standard social benefits include 30 days of paid annual leave and flexible working arrangements. MBI is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, actively promoting career opportunities for women and supporting applicants with disabilities. The institute is certified as family-friendly and implements the Diversity and Inclusion strategy of the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics with an excellent academic record. Strong analytical skills, a genuine interest in theoretical physics, and expertise in theoretical approaches to laser–matter interaction and ultrashort laser pulses are highly valued. Advanced programming and numerical skills are considered a significant advantage. Candidates must meet the transnational mobility requirement, meaning they must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Germany for more than 12 months within the 36 months prior to recruitment. At the time of recruitment, applicants must not hold a doctoral degree. To apply, upload your cover letter, CV, certificates, and description of previous professional activities electronically via the MBI online recruiting platform. The position is open until filled, with evaluation on a rolling basis. For further information, contact Dr. Felipe Morales Moreno or Prof. Dr. Olga Smirnova.

The Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI) in Berlin, Germany is advertising multiple PhD openings in experimental and theoretical ultrafast science. Open projects: Precision Frequency-Comb Spectroscopy; Ultrafast Laser-Matter Interactions and Nanoprocessing; and Ultrafast Chirality for Life and Technology (EU MSCA Project TRILOGY). Research themes: nonlinear optics, ultrafast dynamics, dual-comb spectroscopy, laser physics, spectroscopy, laser-matter interactions, nanoprocessing, attosecond science, chiral light-matter interactions, optical instrumentation, and numerical/data analysis. Project 1: The frequency-comb PhD focuses on developing and applying dual-comb spectroscopy for broadband precision spectroscopy, including advanced laser-based instrumentation, optical experiments, state-of-the-art frequency-comb systems, and spectroscopic data analysis. Official supervision: Prof. Dr. Nathalie Picqué. Project 2: The nanoprocessing PhD is within the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centre 1477 “Light-Matter Interactions at Interfaces” and studies ultrafast response of dielectric materials under intense laser fields, including ionization, plasma formation, nonlinear optical effects, and precision laser nanostructuring. Official supervision: Dr. Mark Mero, with affiliation to Freie Universität Berlin; contact: Dr. Alexandre Mermillod-Blondin. Project 3: The TRILOGY PhD is part of an EU Horizon Europe Doctoral Network and trains doctoral candidates in ultrafast chirality, combining theory and experiment with industrial collaboration. It includes a mobility rule and is funded by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. Contacts: Dr. Felipe Morales Moreno and Prof. Dr. Olga Smirnova. Eligibility highlights: Physics or closely related backgrounds are required, with strong optics/laser/experimental skills for the spectroscopy and nanoprocessing projects. The TRILOGY project requires a Master’s degree in Physics, excellent academic record, strong analytical ability, and compliance with MSCA mobility and doctoral-status rules. Funding: The first two positions are paid under German TVöD Bund E13, 75% for 3 years. The TRILOGY position includes MSCA living, mobility, and family allowances, plus standard social benefits. Deadlines: 19 July 2026 for Precision Frequency-Comb Spectroscopy; 31 August 2026 for Ultrafast Laser-Matter Interactions and Nanoprocessing; TRILOGY is open until filled with rolling evaluation. How to apply: Submit your application through the MBI career portal with cover letter, CV, certificates, and a description of previous professional activities.

The Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy in Berlin invites applications for a PhD student position in Ultrafast Chirality for Life and Technology within the EU MSCA Project TRILOGY . The project is part of the Horizon Europe Doctoral Network TRILOGY, which advances the emerging field of ultrafast chirality by using attosecond light-driven electron dynamics to overcome the limitations of conventional chiro-optical methods. The research aims to develop next-generation, high-sensitivity spectroscopic tools to excite and probe electron motion in chiral molecules, with applications in the life sciences and advanced technologies. The network connects 11 leading European institutions and trains 16 Doctoral Candidates in a highly interdisciplinary environment spanning theory, experiment, and industrial collaboration. The host institute, the Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI), carries out fundamental research in nonlinear optics and ultrafast light-matter interactions, supported by advanced laser systems, short-pulse sources, and nonlinear spectroscopic techniques extending into the extreme ultraviolet and soft X-ray regimes. The institute also benefits from access to large-scale accelerator-based sources such as free-electron X-ray lasers. This is a fixed-term doctoral position for three years, planned to start on 1 December 2026 or shortly thereafter. The role is funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and includes a competitive remuneration package under European Commission guidelines, with living, mobility, and, where applicable, family allowances. Applicants should have a Master’s degree or equivalent in Physics with an excellent academic record. Strong analytical skills, interest in theoretical physics, and experience with laser-matter interaction, ultrashort laser pulses, programming, and numerical methods are advantageous. The post is subject to the MSCA transnational mobility rule and is open only to candidates who do not yet hold a doctoral degree. Applications should be submitted electronically through the MBI online recruiting platform. The call is open until filled, with rolling evaluation. For project-related questions, contact Dr. Felipe Morales Moreno or Prof. Dr. Olga Smirnova.