Attosecond-duration electron and photon pulses access the natural time scale of electronic motion; thus, they provide a unique tool to study the dynamic behaviour of the quantum world in real time. Not surprisingly, since the inception of attosecond technology, the field has seen exponential growth and spectacular progress was made in studying the dynamics of atoms, molecules and solids. Presently, we are witnessing an amazing upsurge in activities in attosecond physics, ultrafast x-ray science and electron diffraction imaging to address fundamental problems across physics, chemistry and material science with revolutionary new tools and methodologies.

Our group has been pioneering mid-IR laser technology and generated first attosecond soft x-ray pulses in the so-called water window (280 – 540 eV), the spectral region in which the constituents of life (carbon, nitrogen and oxygen) have strong absorption edges, thus permitting real-time measurements with elemental orbital specificity. Similarly, mid-IR laser-induced electron diffraction was developed to image isolated gas-phase molecules with a single electron to take atomic-resolved snapshots of molecular structural dynamics.

Positions: We offer two PhD positions, one related to the generation and application of intense mid-IR radiation and attosecond X-ray pulses to study carrier dynamics in solids and one related to electron diffraction imaging of molecular dynamics. The PhD fellowships are fully funded, and we seek candidates who are interested in working in an area of science which combines mid-IR few-cycle sources with strong-field physics, attosecond technology, electron imaging, molecular and solid-state physics. Both projects require creativity and out of the box thinking. If you are interested in experimental science, but also like a close connection with theory, then we can provide a stimulating environment to perform research on the cutting edge of both science and technology.

Environment:You can expect to join a highly international team of motivated people who have a mix of backgrounds ranging from laser science to atomic and molecular physics to chemistry and solid-state physics. Our laboratory and infrastructure is state of the art, consisting of several unique few-cycle intense light sources with CEP stability, an attosecond soft x-ray beamline for x-ray spectroscopy, and a reaction microscope for single electron imaging of molecular structure. Especially unique is the combination of all these methodologies, equipment and know-how in one place. We are also embedded in several prominent national, European and international networks and collaborations, which ensures a vibrant and stimulating research environment and prominent exposure.

Qualification:You should like to work in an international setting, at the forefront of science and technology, feel passionate about your work, be fluent in English and have diligent work ethics. You should have obtained an internationally recognised degree, equivalent to 300 ECTS. No restrictions of citizenship or gender apply to the fellowship.

Application: Information about the ICFO PhD-program is available at phd.icfo.eu and you can apply through jobs.icfo.eu. Please mention our group name and send email to jobs@icfo.eu and jens.biegert@icfo.eu.