Postdoctoral Researcher SRF Cavity Control for Axion and Gravitational Wave Searches

Work group:

ALPS

Area of research:

Other

Starting date:

20.10.2026

Job description:

DESY

The Cluster of Excellence "Quantum Universe" performs research to understand mass and gravity at the interface between quantum physics and cosmology. The research team includes leading scientists from mathematics, particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology at the University of Hamburg and DESY. The research program aims at detecting high-frequency gravitational waves and dark matter axions using superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) cavities. Building on an existing prototype (MAGO), the project exploits the extreme quality factors of superconducting cavities to search for gravitational waves and axions in the kHz-MHz frequency range, a band largely unexplored by current detectors. The work spans theoretical modeling and experimental development, with low-level RF (LLRF) instrumentation as a key enabling technology throughout.One of the central technical challenges is developing a dedicated LLRF control system capable of resolving extremely small, weak-coupling signals. The signal shows up only as a minute frequency or amplitude perturbation buried in cavity noise, hence the system must deliver exceptional phase and amplitude stability, fast and precise field detection, and robust suppression of microphonics and other environmental noise, well beyond what standard accelerator LLRF systems require.

About your role:

• Continue to develop and set up the unique LLRF system for the project
• Further develop carrier suppression interferometer (CSl)-based techniques and their integration to the LLRF system
• Conduct own research and supervise students on cryogenic low noise RF components such as oscillators, multipliers, mixers, filters, switches, amplifiers, attenuators, and phase shifters
• Carry out electronic designs, prototype developments, system characterization, and concept evaluation

About you:

• PhD in electrical engineering (or equivalent specialist knowledge and experience), with several years of experience designing, building, and modelling low-noise RF electronics in the MHz-GHz range
• Professional experience in the field of analogue and digital electronics in the low- and high-frequency range
• Experience with modern RF measuring devices, CAD Software (e.g., Altium Designer), and RF modelling tools (HFSS, GST, ADS, etc.)
• Familiarity with the theory of SRF cavities, interest in particle physics experiments would be advantageous

Look forward to a unique working environment on our international research campus. Respectful cooperation and the well-being of our DESY employees are particularly important to us. Gender equality is an important aspect for us. To support work life balance we offer flexible working hours, variable part-time, job-sharing models and participation in mobile work (up to 50%). You will benefit from our family-friendly and collegial atmosphere, our established health management and occupational pension provision. As a public funded employer, we offer you a secure workplace and facilitate your individual career with our comprehensive training and development opportunities. Remuneration is according to the regulations of the TV-AVH. DESY offers its employees a financial supplement for a German job ticket (Deutschland-Ticket) at both locations.

We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal:Apply now DESY promotes the professional development of women and therefore strongly encourages women to apply for the position to be filled. In addition, severely handicapped persons with equal aptitude are given preferential consideration. The advertised positions are basically suitable for part-time employment.You can find further information here: Elektronen-Synchrotron DESYPersonalabteilung | Notkestraße 85 | 22607 HamburgPhone: +49 40 8998-3392

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.

Company

The Helmholtz Association contributes to solving major challenges to assure the future of our society. With more than 47.500 people on staff in 18 national Research Centers and an annual budget of more than 6 billion euros, the Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organization. The name Helmholtz stands for concerted research, in which networks form the key principle behind inquiring thought and action.

The profile of the Helmholtz Association

The Helmholtz Association performs cutting-edge research which contributes substantially to solving the grand challenges of science, society and industry. To succeed in meeting these responsibilities, Helmholtz concentrates its work in six research fields: Energy, Earth and Environment, Health, Information, Matter, as well as Aeronautics, Space and Transport. Within each of these fields, research programs are developed by our scientists and regularly evaluated by renowned international experts. Their evaluation forms the basis for the program-oriented funding that is allocated to Helmholtz research. Within the six research fields, Helmholtz scientists cooperate with each other and with external partners – working across disciplinary, organizational and national borders.

Moreover, Helmholtz specializes in large-scale research infrastructures – from accelerator facilities, earth observation satellites, research ships to supercomputers. They form the basis for scientific advances in tackling global societal challenges. Managing national research infrastructure is part of the Helmholtz Association's mission.

Promoting young academics

Helmholtz scientists, a high-performance infrastructure and modern and efficient research management are the ingredients to the Helmholtz Association‘s success and global impact.
Promoting young researchers is a major priority for the Helmholtz Association. Its qualification schemes for young researchers are geared mainly towards PhD students, postdocs and young managers. The Helmholtz Association has set high standards for its talent management. Its strategy begins with targeted recruitment of highly qualified staff at all levels, followed by comprehensive support aimed at further developing their potential. Ensuring equal opportunities is an essential element in all talent management activities undertaken by the Helmholtz Association.

The Helmholtz Graduate Schools and Research Schools at almost all Helmholtz Centers provide doctoral students with the general and specific skills and training they need, as well as ample opportunity to network. The period following a doctorate is decisive in determining the direction and success of a scientific career. For this reason, we established Career Development Centers for postdoctoral researchers in the Helmholtz Centers. This equips young researchers with the skills they need to go on to head a Helmholtz Investigator Group , for example. As an Investigator Group leader, junior scientists can independently set up their own group to conduct research in their specialist field and acquire management skills.

Within its talent management strategy, the Helmholtz Association pays special attention to the increased recruitment of talented female scientists both from Germany and abroad. To this end, there are currently two funding programs supporting this policy: and Helmholtz Distinguished Professorship – Funding for the recruitment of leading international female scientists (W3) .

The increasing complexity of the content, structures and framework conditions of scientific work today requires researchers to organize their projects, their employees and, of course, themselves in a highly professional and effective way. In response to these demands, we have set up the Helmholtz Leadership Academy to provide leaders in science with professional management training. Furthermore, the Helmholtz network provides a platform for the alumni of the Helmholtz Leadership Academy to come together and share their experiences of leadership, career development and lifelong learning.

All of this combined makes the 18 Research Centers of the Helmholtz Association a highly attractive environment for talented researchers from all over the world.

Company info

Telephone

0049-30-206329-0

Location

Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Str. 2
Berlin
Berlin
10178
Germany