The group of Dr. Ordóñez focuses on the theory of nonlinear chiral light-matter interactions. We study how to control the quantum dynamics of chiral molecules by structuring electromagnetic fields in time and space and leveraging state-of-the-art light sources, from femtosecond lasers to X-ray free-electron lasers. We collaborate closely with several experimental groups around the world. Our research is financed by the DFG's Emmy Noether Programme through the project Coherent Highly Enantioselective Molecular Manipulation enabled by Multiphoton Interactions with Structured Light (CHEM3ISt-Light). We are looking for a PhD student to join our group.

Job description:
As a PhD student in our group, you will develop quantum coherent control schemes for enantioselective excitation of chiral molecules (see e.g. arXiv:2309.02392). Your objective will be to find and perfect approaches compatible with current experimental capabilities and with the potential to disrupt the field of chiral photochemistry. Your simulations will push the most recent theoretical ideas to their limit by including the constraints faced in the laboratory. You will develop workarounds by exploiting new capabilities in state-of-the-art photonics and your ideas will guide ongoing as well as future experiments. You will share your findings in renowned journals and at international conferences. The initial contract is for 30 months, with a planned extension to a total of four years.

Requirements:
You have a Master degree in a relevant discipline such as (but not limited to) physics or chemistry.

(Professional) Experience:
You have done research in at least of these fields: atomic physics, molecular physics, nonlinear optics, theoretical chemistry, ultrafast dynamics.

Desirable:
You have experience reading and understanding scientific literature in English and have communicated your work in English, for example, through presentations, reports, or academic discussions.
You have experience writing code for data generation and analysis in a research project.

You are highly motivated and hungry for knowledge.
You enjoy problem solving, working independently, and meticulously.
You like mathematical and computational physics. You have a solid understanding of the principles of quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. You have a solid foundation in scientific programming. You have done research related to laser-molecule interactions.

As part of the hiring process, we will request recommendation letters directly from your references. Please provide the names and emails of two references. Do not submit reference letters yourself.

For further information, please contact Dr. Andrés Ordóñez (andres.ordonez@fu-berlin.de / 030 838 57858).