The Helmholtz Institute Mainz (HIM) is an institutional cooperation of the Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz and the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research GmbH in Darmstadt. It links the academic world of a university with the scientific possibilities of an internationally renowned unique large-scale accelerator center for ions. In the coming years the new international accelerator facility FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research), one of the largest research projects worldwide, will be built in Darmstadt.

The HIM research section Superheavy Element Physics invites outstanding candidates to apply for a

Reference number: 25.110-4314

for a three-year contract starting at the earliest possible date.

The position is embedded in the mass measurement program of heavy and superheavy elements with SHIPTRAP at the velocity filter SHIP at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum in Darmstadt. The project aims at the development and implementation of novel approaches in Penning-trap mass measurements and advanced ion-manipulation techniques in combination with gas stopping nuclides. The candidate will also work on constructing (cryogenic) ion-trapping devices for SHIPTRAP.

Your tasks:

The successful candidate is expected to:

• develop sensitive mass spectrometric methods for the study of exotic nuclides in the region of the heaviest elements.
• participate in experiments for the investigation of actinides by mass measurements with Penning traps using gas cells.
• design and construct ion trapping devices
• contribute to the supervision of Bachelor and Master students.

Your profile:

We expect:

• a M.Sc. in experimental nuclear physics
• and good communication skills in English (both verbal and written).
• Experience in the field of ion trapping and mass spectrometry of radionuclides,
• knowledge in software development for data acquisition, experiment control, and data analysis are desirable.

We offer a fixed-term 3-year PhD position with the salary and benefits based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund) effective at GSI.

GSI and HIM encourage the professional development of women and welcome women to feel particularly addressed by the call for applications.

Severely disabled persons are given preference when equally qualified.

Information about FAIR and GSI is available at www.gsi.de and www.fair-center.eu.

Inquiries concerning the position can be sent to Prof. Dr. Michael Block (m.block(at)gsi.de).

If you find this position interesting, please send us your full application documents, stating the Posting ID 25.110-4314, to the following address by 31 of October 2025 at the latest: