PhD student (m/f/d) in ultrafast laser-matter interactions and nanoprocessing
The Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI) conducts basic research in the field of nonlinear optics and ultrafast dynamics arising from the interaction of light with matter and pursues applications that emerge from this research. It develops and uses ultra-fast and ultra-intense lasers and laser-driven short-pulse light sources in a broad spectral range in combination with methods of nonlinear spectroscopy. With its research, MBI fulfills a national mission and is an integral part of the international scientific community.
PhD student (m/f/d) in ultrafast laser-matter interactions and nanoprocessing
Job profile:
The Max Born Institute invites applications for a PhD student (f/m/d) position within the Collaborative Research Centre 1477 “Light-Matter Interactions at Interfaces” (LiMatI), funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).
The project focuses on the ultrafast response of dielectric materials driven by intense laser fields. The central goal is to understand how strong laser excitation induces ionization, plasma formation, nonlinear optical effects, and modifications of material properties on ultrafast timescales ranging from attoseconds to picoseconds. The research combines fundamental studies of laser-matter interactions with advanced optical characterization techniques and is relevant for applications such as precision laser nanostructuring.
The doctoral researcher will work with ultrafast laser systems and implement advanced time-resolved optical measurement approaches for studying laser-induced material dynamics over a broad temporal range. One part of the project focuses on field-resolved and phase-sensitive measurements for investigating sub-cycle electron and plasma dynamics in strongly excited materials. A complementary part involves coherent diffractive imaging and holographic techniques for the spatio-temporal characterization of transient laser-induced modifications and refractive-index changes on longer timescales. By combining these approaches, the project aims to characterize and understand laser-induced material modifications with unprecedented spatio-temporal detail.
The work will involve experimental implementation, optical setup development, numerical data analysis, and modeling.
Requirements:
Applicants must hold a Master’s or Diploma degree in physics, optical sciences, materials science, or a closely related field. Prior experience with experimental techniques such as femtosecond lasers, nonlinear optics, interferometry, microscopy, time-resolved spectroscopy, or laser micro-/nanostructuring would be an advantage. Very good verbal and written communication skills in English are required.
Offer:
The researcher position is available from July 15, 2026 and is initially limited to 3 years. Payment is according to the German TVöD Bund salary scheme for scientists in public research institutions (part-time 75% for PhD students).
The MBI promotes an equity-based workplace and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply. If equally qualified, applicants with a disability will be given preference (Schwerbehinderung nach Sozialgesetzbuch IX).
The MBI supports the reconcilability of family and working life and is certified by the audit workandfamily (audit berufundfamilie) as family-friendly. MBI is committed to a diverse, prejudice-aware working environment. The MBI follows the “Charta of Diversity” (Charta der Vielfalt) and implements the Diversity and Inclusion strategy as set up by the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V..
Please upload your application, including cover letter (specifying why you are interested in the position), curriculum vitae, certificates and description of previous professional activities electronically via the MBI online
recruiting platform at https://mbi-berlin.de/career. Official supervision will be given by Dr. Mark Mero at MBI with affiliation to the physics department of Freie Universität Berlin. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2026.
For further information about the position please contact Mark Mero (mero@mbi-berlin.de).
