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.
For the HAL-9500 instrument at the Swiss muon source and the POLLUX beamline at the Swiss light source, we are looking for a
Your tasks
- Push the time resolution of experiments at PSI’s Swiss Muon Source SμS and Swiss Light Source SLS beyond current limits
- Investigate ultrafast magnetization dynamics and coherent spin precession using dedicated beamtime experiments
- Prepare, perform and analyze experiments in close collaboration with the muon spectroscopy and X-ray microscopy teams
- Develop and evaluate waveform-based signal-processing methods for high-precision detector timing in offline and real-time data-acquisition systems
- Extend existing open-source firmware and software frameworks for real-time detector readout
- Pursue your PhD at PSI with enrollment at the University of Basel
Your profile
- Master’s degree in physics, electrical engineering, computer engineering or a related discipline
- Strong interest in solid-state physics and modern digital instrumentation
- Experience in signal processing, scientific programming, data acquisition, detector instrumentation, embedded systems or RF electronics is an advantage
- Prior experience with FPGA-based or related real-time systems is welcome but not essential
- Motivation to combine experimental physics with algorithm and instrumentation development
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.
For further information, please contact Dr Andrin Doll, phone +41 56 310 53 62.
Please submit your application online by 27 September 2026 (including addresses of referees) for the position as a PhD Student (Index-Nr. 3501-29732).
Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Mariusz Prus, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland