Postdoctoral Researcher SRF Cavity Control for Axion and Gravitational Wave Searches

Work group:ALPS

Area of research:Other

Starting date:20.10.2026

Job description:DESY

The Cluster of Excellence "Quantum Universe" performs research to understand mass and gravity at the interface between quantum physics and cosmology. The research team includes leading scientists from mathematics, particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology at the University of Hamburg and DESY. The research program aims at detecting high-frequency gravitational waves and dark matter axions using superconducting radiofrequency (SRF) cavities. Building on an existing prototype (MAGO), the project exploits the extreme quality factors of superconducting cavities to search for gravitational waves and axions in the kHz-MHz frequency range, a band largely unexplored by current detectors. The work spans theoretical modeling and experimental development, with low-level RF (LLRF) instrumentation as a key enabling technology throughout.One of the central technical challenges is developing a dedicated LLRF control system capable of resolving extremely small, weak-coupling signals. The signal shows up only as a minute frequency or amplitude perturbation buried in cavity noise, hence the system must deliver exceptional phase and amplitude stability, fast and precise field detection, and robust suppression of microphonics and other environmental noise, well beyond what standard accelerator LLRF systems require.

About your role:

• Continue to develop and set up the unique LLRF system for the project
• Further develop carrier suppression interferometer (CSl)-based techniques and their integration to the LLRF system
• Conduct own research and supervise students on cryogenic low noise RF components such as oscillators, multipliers, mixers, filters, switches, amplifiers, attenuators, and phase shifters
• Carry out electronic designs, prototype developments, system characterization, and concept evaluation

About you:

• PhD in electrical engineering (or equivalent specialist knowledge and experience), with several years of experience designing, building, and modelling low-noise RF electronics in the MHz-GHz range
• Professional experience in the field of analogue and digital electronics in the low- and high-frequency range
• Experience with modern RF measuring devices, CAD Software (e.g., Altium Designer), and RF modelling tools (HFSS, GST, ADS, etc.)
• Familiarity with the theory of SRF cavities, interest in particle physics experiments would be advantageous

Look forward to a unique working environment on our international research campus. Respectful cooperation and the well-being of our DESY employees are particularly important to us. Gender equality is an important aspect for us. To support work life balance we offer flexible working hours, variable part-time, job-sharing models and participation in mobile work (up to 50%). You will benefit from our family-friendly and collegial atmosphere, our established health management and occupational pension provision. As a public funded employer, we offer you a secure workplace and facilitate your individual career with our comprehensive training and development opportunities. Remuneration is according to the regulations of the TV-AVH. DESY offers its employees a financial supplement for a German job ticket (Deutschland-Ticket) at both locations.

We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal:Apply now DESY promotes the professional development of women and therefore strongly encourages women to apply for the position to be filled. In addition, severely handicapped persons with equal aptitude are given preferential consideration. The advertised positions are basically suitable for part-time employment.You can find further information here: https://www.desy.de/career/Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESYPersonalabteilung | Notkestraße 85 | 22607 HamburgPhone: +49 40 8998-3392This 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.