The Department of Physics at TU Dortmund University invites applications for a research and teaching assistant position as a PhD student in experimental condensed matter physics with a focus on terahertz dynamics of quantum materials. The initial employment for three years can start at the earliest possible date. According to the public tariff regulations, the salary is based on the tariff group E13 TV-L. An extension of another year after the initial employment is possible. In the first year, the extent is 50%; in the second and third years, 75%. Depending on your level of experience, direct employment at 75% is also possible.

Profile:
The advertised experimental PhD project is to investigate and understand non-equilibrium and equilibrium properties of quantum materials (e.g., quantum magnetic materials, superconductors, topological materials) driven by strong-field terahertz or optical pulses in tunable external conditions such as low temperatures and high magnetic fields. This PhD project will be realized by setting up and maintaining time-resolved terahertz or optical spectroscopy. The experiments will be carried out mainly in-house and also complementarily at the large-scale user facilities. For the most recent representative works of the research group, one can refer to Phys. Rev. Lett. 134 , 196503 (2025); Nature 631 , 760–764 (2024); and Phys. Rev. Lett. 132 , 196501 (2024).

Requirements:

• a very good master's or equivalent academic degree in physics, chemistry, optics, or engineer
• an excellent bachelor's degree can be conditionally admitted, followed by successful completion of studies preparatory to the doctorate, in accord with the doctoral regulations of the department
• practical scientific experience in optics or low-temperature experiments is preferable but not mandatory
• very good oral and written English skills are required.
• the German language is helpful but not mandatory.

Responsibilities:
The tasks of the PhD student include setting up the time-resolved terahertz spectroscopy and the low-temperature apparatus, performing the experiments, analyzing and presenting the data, and disseminating the results (e.g. by conference presentations and peer-reviewed journal publications), and participation in tutoring Bachelor and Master students. In addition, the duties include teaching, which depends on the extent of employment (in the first year, the teaching duties are 2 SWS; in the second and third years, the teaching duties are 3 SWS).