Postdoctoral Position; f​/m​/d

Overview

The RADES Group at the Max Planck Institute for Physics (MPP) in Garching invites applications for a Postdoctoral Position (f/m/d) within the Lise Meitner Group “In search of a new, light physics” and the ERC-SYG “Dark Quantum” for the RADES/baby

IAXO Dark Matter axion search.

The RADES collaboration is running axion halo scopes. These aim to convert dark-matter axions into radio-frequency photons in a resonant cavity in a strong magnetic field. For this purpose, the experiment employs a 12 Tesla magnet and a dilution fridge  experiment receives funding from European grants (such as the ERC-SYG “Dark Quantum” and the QUANTERA QRADES project) for the development of quantum sensing methods in axion dark matter searches and collaborates internationally with a team of around 30 members.

The collaboration aims at installing a haloscope at CERN, using the M1 magnet for a low-mass axion search at frequencies of ~300–400 MHz.

The successful candidate is expected to take a major role in preparing the experimental axion searches at CERN and contribute to modeling and setting up the experiment hardware. This includes developing magnetic shielding for the SQUID-based readout of the experiment and interfacing with the experts developing the cryogenics and cavity systems. The candidate should take a leading role in coordinating the CERN activities in close collaboration with the international team and may assist in supervising students.

The candidate shall also support measurements in the cryostat at MPP when needed. Willingness to travel to CERN, Geneva, or be based at CERN for a period of the contract is expected.

Candidates must hold or be near completion of a PhD in experimental physics or equivalent at the time of recruitment.

Prerequisites for working in our group are solid laboratory and programming skills. Expertise in one or more of the following areas would be ideal:

• axion experiments at ultra-cold temperatures;
• operation of physics experiments in (dilution-)cryostats;
• superconducting and/or quantum-limited detection methods.

Experience with radio-frequency electronics, mechanical movements in strong magnetic fields or at cryogenic temperatures, as well as data-analysis in HEP is of advantage. Assignment of postdoctoral candidates to project tasks will depend on their research interests and area of previous research record.

The position is initially limited to a period of two years, with the possibility of extension. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the German public service pay scale (TVöD Bund).

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and explicitly encourages women to apply.

For questions concerning the position offered, please contact Babette Döbrich ().

Applications must be uploaded via  and should include a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a statement of research interests, and names and e-mail addresses of two referees that will provide letters of reference. The referees will receive personalized links for uploading the recommendation letters (no registration required). Be sure to provide correct e-mail addresses as bounces may not be detected immediately and will delay the application.

The application period starts now.

Priority will be given to applications received before March 6th, 2026.