Doctoral Position in High Intensity Electron Sources for Future Accelerators

About the role

The Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) research group develops high-intensity particle sources, high-gradient accelerators and beam diagnostics for future accelerator facilities, including contributions to CERN's future circular collider (FCC). This doctoral position is based at PSI Villigen but includes teaching assistant duties at ETH Zurich.

Key responsibilities

• Commission a new electron source test stand and demonstrate pulse-to-pulse modulation of bunch charge, beam size and laser pulse energy relevant to the FCC-ee electron source concept.
• Compare laser-shaping techniques through beam measurements, build a prototype for photocathode operation and investigate machine-learning/AI-based optimisation to improve performance.
• Study photocathode and laser performance, including the lifetime of semiconductor photocathodes at bunch charges up to 5 nC.
• Measure gains in beam brightness from photocathode laser shaping and RF compression, with applications to a SwissFEL upgrade (SwissFEL+).

Required profile

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in physics, accelerator science, electrical engineering, photonics or a closely related field.
• Strong interest in accelerator physics, electron sources and experimental work.
• Practical, independent and analytical working style, with enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Professional proficiency in English; knowledge of German is an asset.

Required skills

• Experience with beam dynamics, lasers/optics, numerical modelling or scientific programming is an advantage.

What we offer

• A stimulating research environment combining beam physics, laser physics and RF technology, with hands-on experience designing, commissioning and operating accelerators.
• Transferable skills applicable in academia and industry, state-of-the-art instruments and fully operational accelerator facilities.
• Enrollment in the ETH Doctoral Programme and teaching and mentoring opportunities.

Applications are submitted online only as a single merged PDF containing a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, three reference contacts and a publication or thesis sample.