The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people. 

Become part of Muoniverse 
This position is part of Muoniverse, a Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) dedicated to advancing muon science across particle physics, quantum materials, and applications ranging from energy research to cultural heritage. 
 
Muoniverse brings together 30 research teams from universities, research institutions, and museums in a highly collaborative network, supported by the Muoniverse Research School, which coordinates training, exchanges, and career development for PhD students and postdocs. 
 
Learn more at: 
Who we are looking for 
Muoniverse positions often serve as bridges between individual research groups and institutions, supported through dedicated measures. We are seeking candidates who thrive in such collaborative environments, enjoy connecting people and ideas across disciplines, and are comfortable working within networked structures. Your ability to contribute to a culture of openness and shared progress is as important as your technical expertise. 
 
Muoniverse is committed to promoting equal opportunities and diversity in science. It actively works towards a diverse scientific community and an inclusive work environment. 
 
For the new NCCR Muoniverse, we are looking for a

PhD Student in experimental physics

Apply online now

Your tasks

In close collaboration with experts at PSI and the University of Zürich, the PhD candidate will contribute to significantly expanding the high-pressure capabilities of μSR at PSI. This effort will involve enabling measurements on substantially smaller quantum materials at much higher pressures through the use of diamond anvil cells and advanced uniaxial stress techniques. The doctoral researcher will participate in the development of new hydrostatic and uniaxial pressure cells, as well as associated experimental methodologies, with the aim of extending the accessible pressure range by at least a factor of three beyond the current records achieved at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI. These advances will open access to previously unexplored regimes of quantum matter and allow the study of emergent phenomena under extreme conditions. 

Together with principal investigators and postdoctoral researchers, the PhD student will investigate how pressure and strain tune unconventional quantum phenomena such as superconductivity, charge order, and magnetism in a broad range of quantum materials. A key objective will be to identify common features across their phase diagrams and to clarify the mechanisms that govern their behavior. The project will be carried out in a highly international and interdisciplinary research environment at PSI, providing training in advanced experimental techniques, high-pressure instrumentation, and fundamental aspects of condensed-matter physics.

Your profile

  • Master’s degree in Condensed Matter Physics or a closely related field 
  • Exceptional academic record at both undergraduate and graduate levels 
  • Strong skills in computational physics 
  • Experience with either μSR, magnetic resonance, high pressure techniques or magnetotransport would be of advantage 
  • Strong motivation to work on an interdisciplinary project combining experiment and theory 
  • Proficiency in written and spoken English; knowledge of German is an advantage 
  • Ability to work effectively as part of an international research team

We offer

Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.

For further information, please contact Dr Zurab Guguchia, zurab.guguchia@psi.ch, Tel. +41 56 310 55 64.
 
Please submit your application online for the position as a PhD Student in experimental physics (Index-Nr. 3501-05).
 
Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Mariusz Prus, 5232 Villigen PSI, Schweiz
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