PhD Student in Plasma Physics | PhD student (all genders) 65%

Job Summary

This role is part of a DFG-funded project at the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research, focusing on Direct Laser Acceleration (DLA) of electrons using the PHELIX high-power laser facility. As a PhD student, you will be responsible for developing and implementing diagnostics to measure electron energy and angular distribution, specifically designing scintillator-based spectrometers for high-repetition operations. Your day-to-day work involves planning and conducting experiments with low-density foam targets, investigating secondary photon and neutron sources, and performing Monte Carlo simulations to analyze gamma spectra. You will also operate high-purity germanium detectors and conduct nuclear activation measurements. This position offers a unique opportunity to work within the international FAIR project infrastructure, providing access to world-class laser and accelerator technology. It is an ideal role for a physicist looking to combine experimental work with advanced numerical analysis in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary scientific environment.