Max Planck-RIKEN-PTB Center for

Doctoral candidates in the field of quantum logic spectroscopy

At the QUEST Institute, we advance quantum engineering techniques originally developed for quantum information processing to enable spectroscopy of previously inaccessible singly and highly charged ions and molecules with unprecedented accuracy. Through comparison of optical clocks, we can put bounds on possible variations of fundamental constants, dark matter models and test Einstein’s theory of relativity. Transportable optical clocks can be used to determine height differences between distant locations with centimetre accuracy, enabling applications in geodesy and earth observation.

We have positions available for the following three projects:

• Continued development with focus on automation and frequency comparison with other clocks

• Investigation of multi-ion clock properties
• Development of entanglement enhanced interrogation schemes

• Development of compact optical setups with automated optimisation of operating parameters
• Integration of the resulting hardware in a transportable Al⁺ quantum logic clock
• Participation in the automation of the clock for continuous operation and characterisation of the clock
• Participation in in-field measurement campaigns outside the laboratory environment for relativistic geodesy

The post is initially limited to three years; an extension of the contract is possible.

You will be part of an enthusiastic international team at one of the world's leading research institutions with an excellent infrastructure. We offer structured education and training together with a large international network of partners within the cluster of excellence "QuantumFrontiers", the collaborative research centres "DQ-mat" and "TerraQ", the QVLS-Q1 project, and the ERC Advanced Grant "FunClocks". PTB is committed to a family-friendly working environment with several amenities, such as on-site day-care and canteen.

You can find out more about the position on the jobs page  of our website.

Flyer (pdf, 7 MB) 

If you are interested, please contact Prof. Dr. Piet O. Schmidt ()