The RADES Group at the Max Planck Institute for Physics (MPP) in Garching invites applications for a
within the Lise Meitner Group ‹In search of a new, light physics› and the ERC-SYG ‹Dark Quantum› for the RADES/babyIAXO Dark Matter axion search.
The RADES collaboration is running axion haloscopes. These aim to convert dark-matter axions into radio-frequency photons in a resonant cavity in a strong magnetic field. For this purpose, the experiment employs a 12 Tesla magnet and a dilution fridge at MPP. The experiment enjoys funding from several European grants (such as the ERC-SYG ‹Dark Quantum› and the QUANTERA QRADES project) for the development of quantum sensing methods in axion dark matter searches, and collaborates internationally with a team of around 30 members. The collaboration aims at installing a haloscope at CERN, using the M1 magnet for a low-mass axion search at frequencies of ~300-400 MHz.
The successful candidate is expected to take a major role in preparing the experimental axion searches at CERN and in particular contribute to modeling and setting up the experiment hardware. This includes developing a magnetic shielding for the SQUID-based readout of the experiment and interfacing with the experts developing the cryogenics and cavity systems. In addition, the candidate should take a leading role in coordinating the CERN activities in close collaboration with our international team and possibly assist in the supervision of students. The candidate shall also support measurements in the cryostat at MPP when needed. Willingness to travel to CERN, Geneva, or be based at CERN for a period of the contract is expected.
Candidates must hold or be near completion of a PhD in experimental physics or equivalent at the time of recruitment.
Prerequisites for working in our group are solid laboratory and programming skills. Expertise in one or more of the following areas would be ideal:
The position is initially limited to a period of two years, with the possibility of extension. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the German public service pay scale (TVöD Bund).
The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.
For questions concerning the position offered, please contact Babette Döbrich (babette AT mpp.mpg.de).
Applications must be uploaded from this page and should include a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a statement of research interests, and names and e-mail addresses of two referees that will provide letters of reference.
The referees will receive personalized links for uploading the recommendation letters (no registration required). Be sure to provide correct e-mail addresses as bounces may not be detected immediately and will delay the application.
For further information contact
Ms Annette SturmThe application period starts now.
Priority will be given to applications received before March 6th, 2026.
In case of technical problems with this form please contact
Thomas Hahn.
Warning: In your own interest, do not have recommendation letters sent to this address. They will be deleted and are not forwarded to the selection committee.
This is a secure form.
Data protection statement and
Imprint.
Last modified on 21 Jan 2026 by T. Hahn.