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. 

Become part of Muoniverse 
This position is part of Muoniverse, a Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) dedicated to advancing muon science across particle physics, quantum materials, and applications ranging from energy research to cultural heritage. 

Muoniverse brings together 30 research teams from universities, research institutions, and museums in a highly collaborative network, supported by the Muoniverse Research School, which coordinates training, exchanges, and career development for PhD students and postdocs. 

Learn more at: 

Who we are looking for 
Muoniverse positions often serve as bridges between individual research groups and institutions, supported through dedicated measures. We are seeking candidates who thrive in such collaborative environments, enjoy connecting people and ideas across disciplines, and are comfortable working within networked structures. Your ability to contribute to a culture of openness and shared progress is as important as your technical expertise. 

Muoniverse is committed to promoting equal opportunities and diversity in science. It actively works towards a diverse scientific community and an inclusive work environment. 

For the new NCCR Muoniverse, we are looking for a

Postdoctoral Fellow in experimental physics

Your tasks

In close collaboration with a team of experts at PSI and the University of Zurich, the postdoc candidate together with a PhD candidate should work towards a substantial extension of the high-pressure capabilities of μSR at PSI. This shall be achieved by enabling measurements on dramatically smaller samples at significantly higher pressures using diamond anvil cells and advanced uniaxial stress apparatus. The postdoc will contribute to the development of novel hydrostatic and uniaxial pressure cells and associated experimental methodologies, with the goal of increasing the accessible pressure range by at least a factor of three beyond current world records at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI. These advances will open previously inaccessible regimes of quantum matter and enable the investigation of emergent phenomena under extreme conditions. 

In a team of principal investigators, postdocs and PhD students, the candidate will work on tuning and understanding unconventional quantum phenomena such as superconductivity, charge order, and magnetism in a variety of quantum materials, with the goal of identifying common features in their phase diagrams and elucidating the underlying mechanisms. This research will be carried out in a highly international and interdisciplinary environment at PSI, gaining expertise in cutting-edge experimental techniques, high-pressure instrumentation, and fundamental topics in condensed-matter physics.

Your profile

  • PhD degree in Experimental Physics, Condensed Matter Physics or a closely related field 
  • Strong expertise in quantum materials research or experience with uniaxial and/or hydrostatic pressure techniques would be an advantage 
  • Experience with μSR or other magnetic resonance techniques would be an advantage 
  • Strong motivation to work on an interdisciplinary project combining instrument development, experimental and theoretical work 
  • Proficiency in written and spoken English 
  • Ability to work effectively as part of an international research team

We offer

Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. 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. 

The employment contract will initially be limited to 2 years.

For further information, please contact Dr Hubertus Luetkens, hubertus.luetkens@psi.ch, Tel. +41 56 310 4450. 

Please submit your application online for the position as a Postdoctoral Fellow in experimental physics (Index-Nr. 3501-06).

Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Mariusz Prus, 5232 Villigen PSI, Schweiz
Apply now