At the Laboratory for Attosecond Physics (LAP, www.attoworld.de) — operated jointly by the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) and the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics (MPQ) — state-of-the-art femtosecond laser technologies [1-3] are combined with innovative electric-field-resolved measurement techniques [4] to advance a new type of ultra-sensitive spectroscopy [5]. The novel systems are developed and utilized by a highly interdisciplinary team of physicists, data scientists, biologists and clinical personnel to analyze minuscule variations in the infrared response of body fluids, and thereby identify — non-invasively — early signs of illnesses such as cancer.
The successful candidate will work together with an international team to develop next-generation spectroscopy instruments based on bright, coherent, broadband infrared sources and field-resolved detection. The goal for this position is to transform latest research results into compact laser-based measurement systems with unprecedented mechanical stability. These new embodiments are likely to give access to completely new fields of experimental physics. The duration of the position is initially 2 years, with the possibility of extension. The place of work will be at the LAP in Garching. … more
Responsibilities:
- development of the optimal mechanical layout for the next-generation ultra-stable lasers
- simulation and optimization of the vibrational and heat response of the laser system and its components
- selection of materials for maximum noise suppression and long-term stability
- development of efficient cooling solutions for laser crystals and high-power laser diodes
- interaction with laser engineers and scientists to refine the latest optical laser designs into an ultra-stable platform
- direct interaction with the mechanical workshops on optimal material selection and processing techniques
Required qualifications:
- Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related technical discipline
- experience with mechanical simulations, heat transfer, material selection and material processing techniques
- experience with computer-aided technical drawings (e.g. Autodesk Inventor)
- strong self-motivation and the ability to solve problems independently
- interest in interdisciplinary work with close contact to bio-medical applications
- professional working proficiency with the English language
- German language skills are advantageous
- ideally, experience with Python, LabVIEW, or another programming language
We offer:
- access to the latest optical technologies and state-of-the-art laboratories
- excellent research and working conditions
- supportive, highly motivated, and multi-disciplinary team
- pleasant working atmosphere with many learning opportunities
- open-minded, inspiring, dynamic and international atmosphere, scientific flair
- salary according to qualification and professional suitability in compliance with the collective agreement for public service up to max. EG 12. Social benefits according to the regulations of public service (Federal Service).
- personal and professional training programmes
The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications of any background. The Max Planck society is committed to employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled persons are explicitly welcome.
References:
[1] J. Zhang et al. Light Sci. Appl. 7, 17180 (2018)
[2] Q. Wang et al. Opt. Letters 44, 2566 (2019)
[3] ] N. Nagl et al. Opt. Express 27, 24445 (2019)
[4] I. Pupeza et al. Nature Photonics 9, 721 (2015)
[5] I. Pupeza et al. Nature 577, 52 (2020)
Please send a cover letter, CV and your records to:
Contact:
Dr. Nathalie Nagl
Email: nathalie.nagl@mpq.mpg.de
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Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, broadband infrared diagnostics
M.Sc. // field-resolved infrared spectroscopy of living plants
The group of Broadband Infrared Diagnostics (BIRD group) devoted the laser-based field-resolved infrared spectroscopy (FRS) for applications in biology and medicine. In the proposed master’s project, we want to test the ability of our technique to monitor carbohydrate metabolism in plant leaves in real time. In general, mid-infrared spectroscopy is sensitive to the molecular composition of a specimen. Recently, we were able to show for the first time that the increased sensitivity of FRS by orders of magnitude enables us to detect the infrared spectra of living plant leaves [1]. In a follow-up work we plan to evaluate whether temporal changes in the spectrum of a plant leaf, day-night cycles, can be detected and whether these changes can be related to the build-up of carbohydrates during photosynthesis. … more
Responsibilities:
- conducting FRS measurements on plant leaves
- high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of leaf carbohydrates
- analysis of FRS data in comparison to HPLC
Required qualifications:
- Master’s student in Physics, Biophysics or Biology (with strong physical background)
We offer:
- dynamic and friendly work environment
- the BIRD group is a multi-national collaborative venture involving laser specialists, molecular life scientists and mathematicians
References:
[1] Pupeza I., Huber, et al.
Field-Resolved Infrared Spectroscopy of Biological Systems
Nature 577, 52 (2020)
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-1850-7
Additional information:
broadband infrared diagnostics group
Please send a cover letter, CV and your records to:
Contact:
Dr. Mihaela Zigman
Email: mihaela.zigman@mpq.mpg.de
Dr. Frank Fleischmann
phone: +49.89.289.54056
Email: frank.fleischmann@physik.uni-muenchen.de
Dr. Marinus Huber
Email: huber.marinus@physik.uni-muenchen.de
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