Postdoc position (m/f/d) | Ultrafast Soft X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy of Nonequilibrium Dynamics in Correlated Materials Full-time

Postdoc Position

The Fritz Haber Institute in Berlin is one of the most internationally renowned research institutes of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science. More than 400 employees in 5 scientific departments conduct and facilitate top-level research on historic grounds in Berlin-Dahlem, which is unique worldwide.

We currently offer a postdoc position – Ultrafast Soft X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy of Nonequilibrium Dynamics in Correlated Materials.

The Department of Physical Chemistry, led by Prof. Martin Wolf, invites applications for a postdoctoral position in the Ultrafast Core-Level Spectroscopy Group at the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society in Berlin. The project is carried out in close collaboration with Prof. Jens Biegert (ICFO, Barcelona) and focuses on the ultrafast dynamics of strongly correlated materials.

The successful candidate will employ state-of-the-art ultrafast time-resolved soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (tr-XAS) to investigate the interplay between electronic, orbital, spin, and lattice degrees of freedom. By combining femtosecond laser excitation with element- and orbital-specific soft X-ray spectroscopy, the research aims to uncover the microscopic mechanisms governing light-induced phase transitions, electron–lattice interactions, and energy transfer in quantum materials.

Research Topics

The successful candidate will work on several of the following topics:

• Element- and orbital-selective probing of transient electronic states using soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy.
• Development and application of advanced pump-probe spectroscopic techniques for studying non-equilibrium quantum materials.
• Explore coupling between electronic excitations and lattice dynamics.
• Elucidation of ultrafast energy transfer pathways between electrons, phonons, spin, and orbital degrees of freedom.
• Light-induced phase transitions in strongly correlated materials and Mott insulators.

This position offers the opportunity to conduct pioneering research at the forefront of ultrafast spectroscopy and condensed matter physics, addressing fundamental questions on the non-equilibrium behavior of quantum materials.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, Attoscience, or a closely related field. Experience in the following areas is highly desirable:

• Ultrafast Soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy.
• Ultrafast pump–probe spectroscopy.
• Condensed matter physics.
• Research experience with strongly correlated electron systems and quantum materials.
• Strong background in solid state physics and many-body physics.
• Excellent communication skills, and in particular good command of the English language.
• Programming skills: Python, MATLAB, Wolfram Mathematica, Igor Pro, etc.

We Offer

• Access to a world-class laboratory with strong analytical and technical infrastructure.
• An attractive, friendly and respectful international working environment.
• A position as public servant in the TVÖD-E13 payment scheme initially limited to 2 years.
• Extensive on-site technical training and attractive, individualized training opportunities, e.g., through the Planck Academy.
• Modern and predominantly electronic workflows.
• Subsidy for the job ticket.
• Very good connections to public transport, bicycle parking, charging stations for e-cars.

Your Application

Please submit your application via our online application portal as soon as possible, including the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• List of publications
• Names and email addresses of three references.

Applications will be accepted immediately until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more information, please contact: Dr. Ugaitz Elu (elu@fhi.mpg.de) or Prof. Martin Wolf (wolf@fhi.mpg.de)

Fritz Haber Institute Faradayweg 4-6 14195 Berlin Germany

Max Planck Society

The Max Planck Society endeavors to achieve gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society aims to increase the participation of women in research. Therefore, applications by women are particularly welcome. The Max Planck Society is also committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

Berlin

The Fritz Haber Institute (FHI) is located in the quiet south-west of Germany's capital, Berlin, which is a large, tolerant, and cosmopolitan city. Berlin offers a wide variety of culture, art, music, and outdoor opportunities.