Ulrich Wittrock

FH Münster (Münster University of Applied Sciences) is advertising a Postdoctoral Researcher in Ultrafast Lasers at the Photonics Laboratory within the Institute of Optical Technologies in Steinfurt, Germany. The position focuses on advancing a novel monolithic technology for mode-locked titanium-sapphire lasers that has already attracted attention in the ultrafast optics community. The successful candidate will work on improving performance, especially pulse duration and repetition rate, within a well-equipped research environment dedicated to ultrafast laser development. The Photonics Laboratory is embedded in a broader institute covering a wide range of optical sciences and research groups led by seven professors. In addition to the main research theme, the laboratory also engages in adaptive optics, including deformable mirrors for gravitational wave detectors and industrial applications. The postdoc will also contribute to teaching by delivering the “Development of Solid State Lasers” lab class for seven days per year, offering a combined research and teaching role with strong academic development potential. Applicants should hold a PhD in Physics or Electrical Engineering, with a focus on mode-locked lasers. The role particularly suits an experimentalist with hands-on laboratory experience in laser setup and, ideally, a doctoral thesis on mode-locked lasers. Experience with Python or Matlab for numerical simulation is required, especially for modelling nonlinear pulse propagation of ultrafast pulses. Strong written and spoken English is also expected, together with the ability to support students, collaborate with other researchers, and work with suppliers on technical specifications. The position is full-time (39 hours and 50 minutes per week) and funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) for two years. Salary is according to TV-L pay scale 13. The post also offers a pathway for academic development: after completing the PhD and as a member of the university, the successful applicant may be eligible to apply for their own DFG projects. The advertisement notes a potential role in shaping the subject area in connection with an anticipated professorship vacancy in February 2029. Applications must be submitted exclusively via the online application form. For questions about the position, contact Professor Dr. Ulrich Wittrock ([email protected]). For questions about the application process, contact Annette Kröger ([email protected]). The closing date is 2026-10-31.