Doctoral Position in Circularly Polarized Attosecond Pulses and Chiral Charge Migration
Explore attosecond science and molecular chirality with a fully funded PhD in ultrafast optics and experimental physics at ETH Zurich.
Best for:Best for experimental physicists or physical chemists with a strong background in ultrafast optics, laser systems, and molecular spectroscopy, seeking to contribute to frontier research in attosecond science and chiral dynamics.
Overview
This doctoral position at ETH Zurich’s Ultrafast Spectroscopy and Attosecond Science group focuses on generating and characterizing circularly polarized isolated attosecond pulses. As part of the ERC-funded Attochirality project, the successful candidate will develop attosecond chiroptical pump-probe spectroscopy, integrating advanced laser systems, high-harmonic generation, and reaction-microscope instrumentation. The work involves hands-on experimental design, data analysis, and collaboration with an interdisciplinary team to study chiral charge migration and electronic dynamics in molecules. The position offers access to cutting-edge facilities and a supportive research environment at one of the world’s leading technical universities.
What you'll do
- Develop and operate an attosecond beamline using a CEP-stabilized, few-cycle 100 kHz Yb-fibre laser and high-harmonic generation.
- Generate and fully characterize circularly polarized isolated attosecond pulses, including temporal structure and polarization state.
- Integrate attosecond and single-cycle optical pulses into a reaction microscope to perform three-dimensional electron-ion coincidence measurements.
- Investigate chirality-sensitive charge migration and charge transfer in isolated molecules and microhydrated clusters.
- Collaborate closely with laser scientists, engineers, and theoretical collaborators within the Attochirality team.
- Present research findings at international conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
- Contribute to teaching and scientific activities within the research group.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in physical chemistry, physics, chemistry, photonics, electrical engineering, or a closely related discipline, completed by the starting date.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; very good written and spoken proficiency required.
Instruction: English
- Hands-on experience in femtosecond lasers, nonlinear optics, or high-harmonic generation.
- Familiarity with XUV spectroscopy, electron/ion spectroscopy, molecular beams, or vacuum instrumentation.
- Ability to build, align, troubleshoot, and operate complex experimental setups.
- Proficiency in scientific programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, LabView, C/C++).
- Strong quantitative data analysis skills.
- Excellent written and spoken English proficiency.
- No specific nationality or residency restrictions mentioned.
- Must hold a completed Master's degree by the starting date.
- No age or prior experience caps explicitly stated.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 13.07.2026 (rolling review until filled) · open until filled
Submit an online application through ETH Zurich’s portal with a cover letter, CV, Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates, academic transcripts, a concise summary of the Master’s thesis, and contact details for at least two referees. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
- Cover letter explaining motivation and relevant experimental experience
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates
- Complete academic transcripts
- Concise summary of Master’s thesis or principal research project (max one page)
- Names and contact details of at least two referees
Contact
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