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Postdoc

Theoretical Physics on high-energy atomic processes in extremely strong laser fields

The Theory Division at the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics (MPIK) is seeking applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in the group of Prof. Christoph H. Keitel, within the team led by Dr. K. Z. Hatsagortsyan and devoted to the theoretical investigation of relativistic regimes in super-strong laser field interaction with atomic systems as well as to the strong field physics in the extreme ultraviolet frequency and ultrashort time domain.

We offer a stimulating research environment, including close contacts within the European Extreme-Light-Infrastructure (ELI) aimed at building the internationally most intense laser facility to investigate laser-matter interaction in the unexplored ultra-relativistic regime.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated candidate who should have an excellent publication record in the relevant research areas of strong field physics.

Please send your application including CV, list of publications, statement of research interest as well as the contact details of three potential referees by email to Dr. K. Z. Hatsagortsyan.

Beyond state-of-the-art QED plasma simulations

Laser-matter interaction at ultra-high intensities is a new rapidly growing area of research. At next generation laser facilities such as the Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI), intensities beyond 1023 W/cm2 will be reached therefore rapidly converting matter into the plasma state and inducing a plethora of strong-field QED effects ranging from copious high-energy photon creation to the generation of dense electron-positron bunches. In order to investigate these phenomena massively parallel Particle-In-Cell (PIC) codes are required to model the strongly nonlinear collective dynamics.

The candidate is expected to have a strong background in programming (C++, CUDA, Python, Fortran) and numerical methods, and is willing to carry out, under adequate guidance, the development of in-house codes which implement novel schemes beyond the state-of-the-art QED plasma models. In parallel, these codes will be used to investigate the multi-scale plasma physics processes relevant for the forthcoming experiments. This interdisciplinary position is ideal for skilled candidates with interests both in physics and in computer science.

Please send your application including CV by email to Matteo Tamburini.