At the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences , we bridge the gap between basic research and technological advancement. Here, researchers from the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine collaborate across disciplines, supported by high-performance service facilities and a modern research infrastructure. As the largest institute of the Max Planck Society , with around 1,000 employees from more than 66 nations, we offer an inspiring, international working environment with exceptional scientific breadth.

The Department of Ultrafast Dynamics (Prof. Dr. Claus Ropers) is inviting applications for two

PhD Student Positions (f/m/x)
– Electron-Light Interaction in Silicon Photonic Nanostructures –

Study the interaction of free electrons with silicon nanostructures, including the investigation of quantum effects. Conduct scientific work at the emerging intersection of electron microscopy and quantum photonics. Primary emphasis is on ambitious experimental work using electron microscopes and silicon photonic structures.

The MPI-NAT invites applications for two fully funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Candidate positions, within the Horizon Europe Doctoral Network QUEST – Quantum Electrodynamics with Silicon Nanotechnology ( QuEST ). QUEST brings together leading European universities, research institutes and innovative companies to advance quantum technologies through silicon nanotechnology. Within this network, you will be one of 15 doctoral candidates working on complementary research projects spanning semiconductor materials, nanofabrication, quantum photonics, quantum electrodynamics, advanced characterization and theoretical modelling.

The two PhD candidates will conduct research in the above-mentioned scientific field, while focusing on different areas of specialization.

Project 1 focuses on enhancing electron-light interactions in tailored nanostructures using flexible geometries and variable beam energies. Meanwhile, project 2 will explore hybrid devices that couple local quantum states to electron beams.

One application applies to both projects simultaneously. If you have a preference, please indicate in your application which project interests you most. Candidates will be matched to a project based on qualifications, skills and their stated preference.

Position details

The selected PhD candidates will participate in the EU-funded HORIZON-MSCA-2025-DN project QUEST, combining network-wide training activities with excellent research opportunities at MPI-NAT. You will be expected to work on your project in close collaboration with fellow PhD students in QUEST and with the other members of the Department of Ultrafast Dynamics. Together, you will explore, experimentally and theoretically, novel custom photonic devices tailored for efficient interactions with electron beams and solid-state quantum systems. In particular, this includes assisting the design and optical coupling of photonic structures, performing extended experiments in an electron microscope and complementing the results with numerical simulations. You are expected to communicate your results in the form of scientific publications and presentations at international conferences.

As part of the GAUSS PhD program at the University of Göttingen, you will complete several PhD courses and participate in teaching as a teaching assistant. You will also attend regular meetings with other PhD students and partners in the doctoral network, including two training schools and two workshops.

The duration of the stay in Göttingen (Germany) and the two secondments vary by project as follows: Project 1 is set to last a total of 36 months, which includes two 2-month secondments each to Copenhagen (Denmark) and Göttingen (Germany). Project 2 includes a 32-month stay in Göttingen and two 2-month secondments each to Copenhagen (Denmark) and Dresden (Germany), so that this project is also scheduled to last a total of 36 months. For the respective secondments, you are expected to relocate to the project partners.

Your profile

The ideal candidates for the positions are highly motivated and talented researcher holding a Master’s degree (MSc or equivalent) in physics, chemistry, or engineering, with an excellent academic record and preferably demonstrated scientific achievements. We are interested in working with candidates who are team-minded, reliable, self-driven and have demonstrated excellence in electron microscopy, nano-optics, integrated photonics or quantum optics during their Master's thesis (or equivalent). Other qualities of the successful candidates:

Is academically curious and thinks deeply and creatively
Takes responsibility for the progress and quality of the project
Communicates well in both written and spoken English
Is empathetic and enjoys working with others from diverse backgrounds

The positions are subject to the mobility and eligibility rules of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions. In particular, the candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than twelve months during the three years immediately prior to the recruitment date, unless as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention. At the date of recruitment, the candidates must be a Doctoral Candidate, i.e. in the first five years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research career and must not have been awarded a doctoral degree.

What we offer

The successful candidates will receive a salary in accordance with the MSCA regulations for Doctoral Researchers. The salary includes a living allowance, a mobility allowance, and a family allowance (if applicable). The PhD funding is for 36 months. The two PhD positions are full-time with a 39-hour workweek and will start on 01/01/2027 or according to mutual agreement.

We are committed to being a cosmopolitan institute that offers a diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities. We also aim to increase the number of employees with disabilities. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.

For further questions, please inquire at the email address down below.

Application

Please submit your application by 1 st November 2026 , preferably via email as a single PDF file including a CV, motivation letter, copy of the Master’s degree (or proof of expected completion), Master's thesis (if available), contact information for at least two references and all academic transcripts to:

ausschreibung26-26@mpinat.mpg.de

Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences
Department of Ultrafast Dynamics
Prof. Dr. Claus Ropers and Dr. Armin Feist
Am Faßberg 11
37077 Göttingen
Germany

Information pursuant to Article 13 DSGVO on the collection and processing of personal data during the application process can be found on our website below the respective job advertisement.

PhD Student Positions (f/m/x) - Electron-Light Interaction in Silicon Photonic Nanostructures -

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