Doctoral Position in circularly polarized attosecond pulses and chiral charge migration

Doctoral Position in circularly polarized attosecond pulses and chiral charge migration 100%, Zurich, fixed-term print Drucken The Ultrafast Spectroscopy and Attosecond Science group at the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich develops experimental methods for measuring and controlling electronic dynamics in molecules on attosecond time scales, during chemical reactions and in the liquid phase. Project background The position is part of Attochirality, a new ERC Advanced Grant project that will establish attosecond chiroptical pump-probe spectroscopy. The project combines a 100 kHz few-cycle Yb-fibre laser, circularly polarized isolated attosecond pulses, tuneable 1-2 fs deep-ultraviolet and near-infrared pulses, and electron-ion coincidence detection in a reaction microscope. The scientific programme addresses chiral electronic wave packets, charge migration and charge transfer, and the transition from isolated to microhydrated and fully solvated molecules. This doctoral project focuses on the generation and complete characterization of circularly polarized isolated attosecond pulses and on their application to chiral charge migration. The experiments will use three-dimensional electron-ion coincidence spectroscopy to observe and understand chiral charge migration. Job description • Contribute to the implementation and operation of an attosecond beamline based on a CEP-stabilized, few-cycle 100 kHz Yb-fibre laser and high-harmonic generation • Generate circularly polarized attosecond pulse trains and isolated attosecond pulses, and characterize their temporal structure and complete polarization state • Integrate the isolated attosecond and single-cycle optical pulses into a reaction microscope and perform three-dimensional electron-ion coincidence measurements • Investigate chirality-sensitive charge migration and charge transfer in isolated molecules and microhydrated molecular clusters • Work closely with the Attochirality team, including laser scientists, engineers and theory collaborators • Present results at international conferences and publish them in peer-reviewed journals; contribute to the scientific life and teaching activities of the group Profile • A Master's degree in physical chemistry, physics, chemistry, photonics, electrical engineering or a closely related discipline, completed by the starting date • A strong interest in experimental molecular science, ultrafast optics and quantum dynamics • Hands-on research experience in at least one of the following areas: femtosecond lasers, nonlinear optics, high-harmonic generation, XUV spectroscopy, electron or ion spectroscopy, molecular beams, vacuum instrumentation, detector systems or precision optical experiments • The ability and motivation to build, align, troubleshoot and operate a technically demanding experiment • Experience with scientific programming and quantitative data analysis, preferably in Python, MATLAB, LabView, C/C++ or a comparable environment • A careful, independent and collaborative working style, with very good written and spoken English • Experience with coincidence spectroscopies, reaction microscopes/COLTRIMS, attosecond metrology, CEP stabilization or charged-particle optics is advantageous but not required Workplace Workplace We offer • A fully funded doctoral position for four years, subject to ETH Zurich regulations and successful annual progress • A central role in an ambitious ERC-funded project at the frontier of attosecond science, molecular chirality and chemical dynamics • Access to state-of-the-art laser systems, attosecond beamlines, reaction-microscope instrumentation and high-performance data-analysis resources • Close scientific interaction with an experienced international team and a broad network of experimental and theoretical collaborators • Dedicated support from electronic and mechanical engineers and from the department's scientific services • Excellent training opportunities and employment conditions according to ETH Zurich standards chevron_right Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich We value diversity and sustainability In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future. Curious? So are we. We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents in a single PDF where possible: • A cover letter explaining your motivation and relevant experimental experience • A curriculum vitae • Copies of Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates and complete academic transcripts • A concise summary of your Master's thesis or other principal research project (maximum one page) • Names and contact details of at least 2 referees The preferred starting date is 01.10.2026 or upon agreement. Review of applications will begin on 13.07.2026 and continue until the position is filled. Further information aboutthe Ultrafast Spectroscopy and Attosecond Science group can be found on our Website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Hans Jakob Wörner, hwoerner@ethz.ch. (no applications). Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. About ETH Zürich ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. 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