Research Associate (Postdoctoral researcher)

The position is part of the externally funded project "JLU-GSI-FAIR" at the at the Chair of Experimental Nuclear Physics, II. Institute of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, Physics, Geography. The position is limited until 31.12.2027, with the option of an extension by one year. The salary is in accordance with the collective labour agreement of the State of Hessen (E 13 TV-H).

The research group studies the structure and properties of exotic (short-lived) nuclei far off stability. A leading laboratory in this field is the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research in Darmstadt, Germany and in the future the Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR), currently under construction. At GSI and FAIR, such nuclei are produced at the fragment separators FRS and Super-FRS, respectively, and are investigated with sophisticated detector systems. In particular, at the (Super-)FRS Ion Catcher, exotic nuclei are thermalized in a cryogenic gas-filled stopping cell and their mass is measured using a multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer (see: https://www-windows.gsi.de/frs-ion-catcher/). Experiments include high-accuracy mass measurements, lifetime and branching ratio measurements, and studies of multi-nucleon transfer reactions and spontaneous fission. The successful candidate will be involved in experiments with exotic nuclei using the FRS Ion Catcher and in the construction and commissioning of the Super-FRS Ion Catcher.

Your tasks at a glance
•  Preparation, execution and analysis of experiments with exotic nuclei using the FRS Ion Catcher at GSI
•  Participation in and contributions to the construction and commissioning of the Super-FRS Ion Catcher
•  Implementation of technical upgrades of, and experimental work with, the FRS Ion Catcher
•  Scientific simulations
•  Further development of data analysis methods

Your qualifications and competences
•  Completed Master´s or equivalent university degree and PhD in the field of physics
•  Hands-on experience in experimental nuclear physics
•  Good analytical and technical skills
•  Ability to work systematically, independently as well as in a team, self-motivated
•  Computer literacy
•  Good communication skills in English (oral and written)
•  Experience in several of the following fields: mass spectrometry of exotic nuclei, ion trapping, ion optics, detector technology, electronics, CAD, vacuum technology, cryogenics, data analysis procedures, scientific simulations (e.g., SIMION, LISE++), programming languages (e.g., C++, Python)

Our offer to you
•  Research in an international and interdisciplinary environment, both at JLU Gießen and at GSI Darmstadt, a world-wide unique accelerator facility; Main place of work will be at JLU
•  Opportunity to development an own research profile
•  A varied job with flexible working hours
•  Free use of local public transport (LandesTicket Hessen)
•  More than 100 training seminars, workshops and e-learning opportunities per year for personal 
development, as well as a wide range of health and sports activities
•  Remuneration according to TV-H, company pension scheme, child allowance and special payments
•  Good compatibility of family and career (certificate "audit familiengerechte hochschule")