Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) for the Development of an Experimental Platform for Laser Beam Stabilization

The GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research in Darmstadt operates one of the world’s leading particle accelerator facilities for fundamental research. Together with international partners, GSI is currently building the new FAIR ( F acility for A ntiproton and I on R esearch), one of the largest research projects worldwide. GSI and FAIR offer the opportunity to work in an international environment with a dedicated team committed to world-class science.

Within the research project Adaptive Laser Architecture Development and INtegration(ALADIN), we are looking to fill the following position as soon as possible:

Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) for the Development of an Experimental Platform for Laser Beam Stabilization

Reference Number: 25.71-1700

Project Context (ALADIN & PHELIX):

Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) relies on laser-driven compression of fuel capsules. Future fusion energy facilities (IFE) will require highly stable high-power laser systems with hundreds of beamlines. To meet this demand, ALADIN is exploring adaptive control architectures for the active stabilization of large-scale laser systems.

The work package LAOTSE (Laser Adaptive Optics Testbed for StabilizationExperiments) will establish an experimental platform to emulate dynamic beamlineprocesses in high-energy laser systems. This setup will be used to test advanced adaptive optics concepts and evaluate novel control architectures for next-generation IFE systems.

Your Responsibilities:

• Development of an optical testbed that realistically emulates high-energy laser beamlines and their dynamic influences
• Integration of diagnostic and actuator technologies to experimentally evaluate computer-controlled stabilization concepts under realistic conditions
• Development and implementation of software interfaces to connect the platform to a higher-level control system (TANGO Controls)
• Testing and validation of novel control mechanisms with direct relevance to future high-power laser systems for fusion research.

Your profile:

• Doctorate (PhD) in physics, engineering, optics, or a related field
• Solid expertise in laser physics, optical metrology and adaptive optics
• Experience with building complex optical setups in experimental environments
• Programming knowledge in Python and familiarity with TANGO Controls is advantageous
• Ability to work independently on scientific tasks, along with strong team and communication skills
• Excellent German and English language skills, spoken and written.

We Offer:

• Employment at GSI conducting research within the ALADIN project
• Research at the interface of fundamental and applied laser physics
• Opportunity to build an experimental infrastructure of international relevance for fusion energy
• Involvement in an innovation-driven greenfield project within a committed research team
• Publication of research results in renowned peer-reviewed journals and presenting findings at international conferences
• Career development and training opportunities in an excellent scientific environment
• Flexible working arrangements, including up to two days of remote work per week.

The duration of the position is limited to an initial term of 42 months.

The salary is based on the German civil service employees (Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst - TVöD (Bund)).

GSI supports the professional development of women. Therefore, women are especially encouraged to apply for the position.

Severely handicapped persons will be preferentially considered when equally qualified.

For more information on FAIR and GSI, please visit www.gsi.de and www.fair-center.eu .
If you have questions, feel free to contact Dr. Jonas Ohland ( j.b.ohland@gsi.de (mailto:j.b.ohland@gsi.de) , Tel. +49 6151-71-3381).

If you see this role as an exciting personal challenge and would like to work in an exceptional scientific environment, please submit your complete application, earliest possible start date, and the reference number25.71-1700 , no later than 14.08.2025 via our

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GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH

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64291 DARMSTADT