The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people.

This position is part of an international effort to develop a new electron photoinjector as a technological demonstrator for the Future Circular Collider (FCC-ee), CERN’s next-generation electron-positron collider. Within the framework of the Swiss Accelerator and Technology Institute CHART, the project aims to validate advanced laser-driven electron source technologies that can meet the demanding requirements of FCC-ee. The candidate will join the SwissFEL Gun Laser Group who have been developing custom high-end ultra-fast amplified lasers, secondary sources, and advanced spatial / temporal laser pulse-shaping essential for high-brightness accelerator for over 15 years.

For the Gun Laser Group of the Nonlinear Optics Laboratory we are looking for a

Laser Engineer

Your tasks

  • Design, integrate and maintain optical laser systems suitable for a high-brightness electron photoinjector
  • Collaborate with accelerator teams to define laser requirements, verify performance and take part in the photoinjector commissioning shifts
  • Participate in project planning, budget estimation, scheduling, and interface with external institutions
  • Implement shot to shot laser pulse energy and beam size control
  • Apply temporal and spatial laser pulse shaping to optimize electron bunch quality
  • Document design, test procedures, results; ensure reproducibility, quality control, safety, and compliance with laser safety standards
  • Explore innovations including new materials, frequency conversion techniques, pulse shaping methods, feedback systems to meet the challenging specifications of the photocathode laser

Your profile

  • Master’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics (laser physics / optics / photonics), Electrical Engineering, or related field; PhD degree is a plus
  • Hands-on experience with ultrashort pulsed laser amplifiers, secondary laser sources and laser diagnostic methods
  • Strong knowledge of pulse shaping (temporal/spatial), beam alignment, wavefront control, and timing stabilization
  • Proficient in simulating and designing optical systems using numerical tools and optical design software
  • Good teamwork and communication skills, ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary and multi-cultural R&D teams
  • Proficiency in English (spoken and written)

We offer

Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. This position offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of accelerator physics / laser science, contributing to a demonstrator for the FCC-ee project. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.

This is a fixed-term position. The employment contract will initially be limited to 2 years.

For further information, please contact Dr Alexandre Trisorio, phone +41 56 310 53 02.

Please submit your application online by 30 November 2025 for the position as a Laser Engineer (Index-Nr. 6611-24702).

Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Larissa Götzelmann, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
Apply now