Ph.D. student (m/f/d) | Precision interferometry in gravitational wave detectors

 The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) is the largest research institute in the world, specializing in general relativity and beyond. The institute is located in Potsdam and Hanover, where it closely collaborates with the Leibniz Universität Hannover. MPI in Hanover is looking for a Ph.D. student (m/f/d) for precision interferometry in gravitational wave detectors.

Our research

The Albert Einstein Institute (AEI) offers a unique research environment with groups working in ground- and space-based laser interferometry, laser development, non-classical light sources, modern control, and gravitational wave data analysis. AEI researchers are involved in all operating and planned gravitational wave detectors worldwide. It is one of the world-leading gravitational wave detector instrumentation institutions and offers high-class optics laboratories, professional electronics, and mechanical workshops.

The open position is part of the cooperative project Glass Technologies for the Einstein Telescope of the AEI in Hanover and the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering. The Einstein Telescope is a planned gravitational wave observatory in Europe, and AEI is involved in various research activities to make it a reality. Within our project, we will develop critical technologies for the Einstein Telescope seismic isolation, such as integrating Meta-lens structures with monolithic fiber collimators. In addition, numerical and analytic modeling will be performed to define requirements for the instrumentation.  

Your profile

Applicants should hold a master degree in physics, or equivalent, and should have one or more of the following skills: 

• Experience with high precision optics, lasers, and interferometers.
• Good programming skills, with an emphasis on Python.
• Analytical analysis and numerical simulations of physical systems.

We are particularly interested in hiring motivated, communicative, and creative applicants with excellent analytical thinking. You should be interested in learning various skills such as numerical modeling, electronic and mechanical design, and working with precision optics. 

We offer

The successful candidate will enroll in the Ph.D. program at Leibniz Universität Hannover and will participate in the coordinated Ph.D. program of our International Max Planck Research School with lectures on advanced topics, extended soft skills training, and social events.

Payment is according to 75% of the pay scale of public services in Germany TVöD Bund E13. The expected duration of the PhD program is three years and can be extended to four years.

The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more severely disabled people. We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of gender, nationality, skin color, origin, religion and ideology, disability, age, sexual orientation, and identity.

Your application

Please upload your application documents combined into a single PDF file on our 

application portal. It should include a cover letter, your CV, Master’s degree certificate or the tentative date of graduation and a transcript of records. One letter of reference should be requested through or application portal. Please get in contact with Sina Köhlenbeck (Sina.Koehlenbeck@aei.mpg.de) for further information. The position is open until filled.

Please note the data protection information.