Novel quantum sensors, such as magnetic microcalorimeters (MMCs) promise to be the next generation of detectors for x-ray spectroscopy at synchrotron light sources, offering either higher transmission or higher resolution than existing technologies.

Organizational unit

Institute for Photon Science and Synchrotron Radiation (IPS)

Job description

As part of the interdisciplinary research project QS4Physics, you will work on developing a platform that enables the integration of such sensors into existing synchrotron beamlines at the KIT Light Source.

In addition, you will perform x-ray spectroscopic measurements on applied material systems. These experiments will be conducted using both existing "conventional” x-ray spectrometers and the newly developed quantum sensor systems at the KIT Light Source, both in the soft and hard x-ray regime.

You will collaborate in an interdisciplinary team and contribute to cutting-edge research at the interface between detector physics and materials research.

Your tasks will include:

• Develop a detector platform to integrate MMCs with existing synchrotron beamlines (such as the X-SPEC beamline at the KIT Light Source)
• Develop and test infrared blocking filters with high transmission in the soft and hard x-ray range
• Perform soft and hard electron and x-ray spectroscopy experiments on applied material systems using various beamlines at the KIT Light Source
• Present your results at international conferences and publishing in peer-review journals

This position is intended to lead to a PhD in Physics or Chemistry.

Starting date

01.10.2025

Personal qualification

• Masters/Diploma in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or equivalent
• Hands-on experience with ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems
• Ideally background in soft and/or hard x-ray and electron spectroscopies (emission, absorption, photoelectron spectroscopy)
• Enthusiasm for team-based and interdisciplinary science, with a focus on detector development and applied material systems
• Good English skills (written and spoken); German skills are helpful, but not required