PhD Student in Experimental Physics / PhD Studentess in Experimental Physics

Your Tasks

In close collaboration with experts at PSI and the University of Zürich, the PhD candidate will play a crucial role in significantly enhancing the high-pressure capabilities of -SR at PSI. This initiative involves enabling measurements on substantially smaller quantum materials at much higher pressures through the use of diamond anvil cells and advanced uniaxial stress techniques. The doctoral researcher will contribute to the development of new hydrostatic and uniaxial pressure cells, as well as associated experimental methodologies, with the aim of extending the accessible pressure range by at least a factor of three beyond the current records achieved at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI. These advancements will provide access to previously unexplored regimes of quantum matter and allow for the study of emergent phenomena under extreme conditions.

Together with principal investigators and postdoctoral researchers, the PhD student will investigate how pressure and strain tune unconventional quantum phenomena such as superconductivity, charge order, and magnetism in a wide array of quantum materials. A key objective will be to identify common features across their phase diagrams and to clarify the mechanisms that govern their behavior. The project will be conducted in a highly international and interdisciplinary research environment at PSI, offering training in advanced experimental techniques, high-pressure instrumentation, and fundamental aspects of condensed-matter physics.

Your Profile

• Master's degree in Condensed Matter Physics or a closely related field
• Exceptional academic record at both undergraduate and graduate levels
• Strong skills in computational physics
• Experience with either -SR, magnetic resonance, high pressure techniques, or magnetotransport is advantageous
• Strong motivation to work on an interdisciplinary project combining experiment and theory
• Proficiency in written and spoken English; knowledge of German is an advantage
• Ability to work effectively as part of an international research team

We Offer

Our institution thrives on interdisciplinary, innovative, and dynamic collaboration. You will benefit from systematic on-the-job training, alongside opportunities for personal development and a strong vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally balance work with family life or other personal interests, we offer modern employment conditions and excellent on-site infrastructure.

For further information, please contact Dr. Zurab Guguchia at zurab.guguchia@psi.ch, or call +41 56 310 55 64.

Apply online using the form below. Note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Mariusz Prus, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland