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 groundbreaking effort will involve enabling measurements on markedly smaller quantum materials at much higher pressures, utilizing diamond anvil cells and advanced uniaxial stress techniques. The doctoral researcher will actively participate in the development of new hydrostatic and uniaxial pressure cells, alongside associated experimental methodologies, with the objective of expanding 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 pave the way for exploring previously uncharted regimes of quantum matter and facilitate the study of emergent phenomena under extreme conditions.

Collaborating with principal investigators and postdoctoral researchers, the PhD student will investigate how pressure and strain influence unconventional quantum phenomena such as superconductivity, charge order, and magnetism across a diverse range of quantum materials. A central goal will be to identify common features within their phase diagrams and to elucidate the mechanisms that govern their behavior. This project will be conducted in a highly international and interdisciplinary research environment at PSI, offering training in advanced experimental techniques, high-pressure instrumentation, and foundational 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 that combines experimentation and theory
• Proficiency in written and spoken English; knowledge of German is a plus
• Ability to work effectively as part of an international research team

We Offer

Our institution fosters an interdisciplinary, innovative, and dynamic collaboration. You will benefit from systematic training on the job, along with opportunities for personal development and a strong vocational training culture. If you are looking to strike an optimal balance between work and family life or pursue other personal interests, we provide modern employment conditions and comprehensive on-site infrastructure to support you.

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. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

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