PhD Student in High-Resolution Photon and Muon Timing
Join the Paul Scherrer Institute to advance high-precision timing for muon and X-ray beamline experiments.
Best for:Best for physics or engineering graduates with a strong interest in instrumentation, signal processing, and experimental physics.
Overview
The Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) is seeking a motivated PhD student to work on high-resolution timing for the HAL-9500 instrument at the Swiss Muon Source and the POLLUX beamline at the Swiss Light Source. The successful candidate will focus on pushing experimental time resolution limits, investigating ultrafast magnetization dynamics, and developing advanced signal-processing methods. This role involves close collaboration with muon spectroscopy and X-ray microscopy teams to enhance real-time data acquisition systems. The position is based at PSI, with academic enrollment and degree conferral through the University of Basel.
What you'll do
- Enhance the time resolution of experiments at the Swiss Muon Source and Swiss Light Source beyond current capabilities.
- Conduct experiments on ultrafast magnetization dynamics and coherent spin precession using dedicated beamtime.
- Collaborate with muon spectroscopy and X-ray microscopy teams to prepare, execute, and analyze experimental data.
- Develop and evaluate waveform-based signal-processing algorithms for high-precision detector timing.
- Maintain and extend open-source firmware and software frameworks for real-time detector readout systems.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related discipline.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: Not specified
Instruction: Not specified
- Strong interest in solid-state physics and modern digital instrumentation.
- Motivation to integrate experimental physics with algorithm and instrumentation development.
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-09-27
Applications must be submitted through the online portal provided by the Paul Scherrer Institute. Ensure all required documentation, including contact information for referees, is included in the submission.
- CV
- Contact details of referees
Contact
Andrin Doll· Contact Person
+41 56 310 53 62
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