PhD Position (all genders) – Optimization of laser-driven particle sources for the generation o...

Scientific / postdoctoral posts

02.11.2026

The GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt operates one of the world’s leading particle accelerator facilities for fundamental research. Together with international partners, GSI is currently building FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research), one of the largest research projects worldwide. GSI and FAIR offer the opportunity to work in an international environment within a dedicated team committed to scientific excellence.

Within the framework of the research project lasEr-driven Universal Radio-isOtope Production Accelerator (EUROPA), we are seeking at the earliest possible date:

PhD Position (all genders) – Optimization of laser-driven particle sources for the generation of medical radioisotopes

In part-time (65%)
Reference number: 26.155-1700

Project Context (EUROPA)

EUROPA (for lasEr-driven Universal Radio-isOtope Production Accelerator) is a European initiative aiming to transform how medical radioisotopes are produced for cancer research and treatment. Targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) is one of the most promising approaches in nuclear medicine, relying on artificial radioactive isotopes (ARIs) to precisely identify and destroy cancer cells. However, access to these innovative isotopes is limited: They are expensive and difficult to supply because they rely on large, centralized facilities. However, Laser-Plasma Acceleration (LPA) could offer a highly versatile source of radiation (γ-rays) and particles (ions and neutrons) across a broad energy spectrum, making it a promising approach for generating the moderate activity levels required for innovative radiopharmaceutical applications.

To demonstrate this potential, EUROPA focuses on innovative pairs of theranostic artificial radioisotopes. The project aims at optimizing LPA mechanisms to enhance the yield of accelerated particles within the desired energy range.  At the same time dedicated detectors are being developed to support proof-of-concept experiments for radioisotope production, which could be scaled to modern high-repetition rate medium-energy laser systems.

The advertised position plays a central role in the enhancement and optimization of the respective laser-driven particle sources required for the subsequent radioisotope generation process. It focuses on the development of a laser-driven alpha source in gaseous, optically shaped targets, with a second focus on laser-driven electron acceleration in the self-modulated laser-wakefield acceleration regime.

Your Responsibilities:

• Setup and execution of hydrodynamic simulations for studying the optical shaping process of the gaseous targets
• Setup and execution of particle-in-cell simulations for studying the laser-driven particle acceleration
• Design and execution of experimental campaigns at the high-power laser system PHELIX for validation and benchmarking of the developed simulation models.
• Participation in project-related experiments at international European laser facilities
• Close collaboration with internal project partners (postdocs, PhD students) as well as external partners from academia and industry.
• Documentation of experiments, their analysis, as well as publication of the of results in scientific journals and at international conferences.

Your Profile:

• Completed university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in physics, ideally with a focus on laser- and / or plasma physics.
• Solid knowledge in at least one of the following areas: laser physics, plasma physics
• Basic programming skills (e.g. Python) and interest in data analysis.
• Experience with numerical simulation of laser-plasma interactions is an advantage.
• Ideally, hands-on experience on optical setups
• Motivation to work on both theoretical/numerical and experimental topics.
• Independent and structured working style with validation of own results, as well as the ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Good command of English (written and spoken); German language skills or willingness to acquire them are an advantage.

We Offer:

• Access to a unique experimental environment and modern research infrastructures at GSI/FAIR and other European facilities.
• Employment at GSI within the EUROPA project in close collaboration with national and international partners.
• Work on a highly topical research area in laser-driven particle acceleration and application for medical research.
• A central role in the development of laser-driven radioisotope generation for medical research.
• Close collaboration with leading research institutions and industrial partners.
• Freedom to develop your own scientific ideas, with opportunities for publication and participation in international conferences.

The duration of the position is limited for 3 years

GSI supports the vocational development of women. Therefore, women are especially encouraged to apply for this position.

Handicapped persons will preferentially be considered when equally qualified.

Further information about FAIR and GSI is available at www.gsi.de and www.fair-center.eu.

Further information about the EUROPA project can be found at www.europa-project.eu.

For questions, please contact Dr. Johannes Hornung (j.hornung@gsi.de).

If you consider this position an exciting personal challenge and would like to work in an outstanding scientific environment, please submit your complete application documents, including your earliest possible starting date and the reference number 26.155-1700, December 1, 2026. via our online application portal.

Online-Bewerbungsportal

GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH

Abteilung Personalmanagement

Planckstraße 1

64291 Darmstadt

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.