Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI)
Villigen PSI
12 hours ago
Postdoctoral Fellow for the "Cryogenic detectors" project
- 28 March 2026
- 100%
- Permanent position
- Villigen PSI
Job summary
Join the Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland's largest research hub. Work on innovative solutions in energy, health, and nature.
Tasks
- Develop interdisciplinary detectors for the Muoniverse collaboration.
- Adapt silicon strip detectors for millikelvin environments.
- Investigate novel scintillating materials for low-temperature detection.
Skills
- PhD in Physics with a solid background in particle physics.
- Ability to connect ideas and people across disciplines.
- Fluent in English, ready for collaborative research.
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About the job
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
Your tasks
- Interdisciplinary detector development, combining expertise from particle physics and solid-state physics within the Muoniverse collaboration
- Adaptation of silicon strip detectors for operation in millikelvin environments to precisely track positrons from muon decays in cryogenic setups
- Investigation of novel scintillating materials, such as perovskites, for efficient low-temperature detection
- Development of superconducting cryogenic sensors, including metallic magnetic calorimeters and superconducting nanowires, for detecting muonic X-rays and low-energy electrons with unprecedented sensitivity and energy resolution
Your profile
- PhD degree in Physics
- Solid physics background in particle physics and detectors
- Interest in connecting ideas and people across disciplines, with a commitment to fostering open, cooperative, and knowledge-sharing research cultures
- Ability to work effectively in collaborative and international research environments and contribute to interdisciplinary teamwork
- Fluent in English
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.
The employment contract will initially be limited to 2 years, with the option to extend it.
For further information, please contact Prof. Dr Angela Papa, phone +41 56 310 55 39.
Please submit your application online for the position as a Postdoctoral Fellow for the "Cryogenic detectors” project (Index-Nr. 3203-16).
Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Serdal Varol, 5232 Villigen PSI, Schweiz
