GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt operates one of the leading particle accelerators for science. Currently, the new FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research) one of the world's largest research projects, is being built in international cooperation. GSI and FAIR offer the opportunity to work in this international environment with a team of employees committed to world-class science.

The Nuclear Spectroscopy Department invites applications for a

 Postdoctoral Researcher in Experimental Nuclear Physics  (all genders)

Posting ID: 25.64-1270

within the HISPEC/DESPEC collaboration, being one of the largest collaborations of the NUSTAR (Nuclear Structure, Astrophysics and Reactions) program - one of the four scientific pillars of the upcoming FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research) facility currently entering its commissioning phase.

In particular, the DESPEC experiment utilizes a flexible and advanced detector setup to investigate nuclear structure and astrophysical processes through the detection of decay radiation from exotic nuclei. Experiments are currently being conducted at the existing GSI facility as part of FAIR Phase-0, using the Fragment Separator (FRS). Exotic isotopes are identified on an event-by-event basis and implanted into the core of the DESPEC array.

Role Description:

The successful candidate will take a leading role in the setup, operation, and coordination—particularly with external groups - of components of the DESPEC implantation setup and the FATIMA fast-timing array. Other key instrumentation includes plastic scintillator detectors for ion and beta detection with excellent timing resolution. These are integrated into the DESPEC array to enable precise identification of implanted ions and their subsequent decay via isomeric, beta-, or alpha-decay processes.

In addition to local responsibility for the execution of DESPEC experiments during FAIR Phase-0, the candidate will contribute to detailed data analysis, student supervision, and the dissemination of scientific results. The data obtained will advance our understanding of nuclear shape evolution and shell structure far from stability.

Your tasks/Main Responsibilities:

• Assembly, testing, and commissioning of state-of-the-art detector systems and data acquisition (DAQ) components
• Execution of DESPEC experiments at GSI within FAIR Phase-0
• Adaptation of software tools for data processing and analysis
• Presentation of results at international conferences and workshops
• Publication of scientific findings in peer-reviewed journals
• Active contribution to the ongoing scientific work and collaboration efforts of the research group.

Your Role/ Requirements:

• PhD degree in nuclear physics; prior nuclear spectroscopy experience strongly preferred
• Strong motivation for experimental nuclear physics and nuclear spectroscopy
• Experience with radiation detectors and nuclear DAQ systems
• Proficiency in programming, particularly in C++ and Python
• Good communication skills in spoken and written English
• Interest or prior experience in machine learning techniques is considered an asset.

You may expect a multifaceted and interesting position within an internationally leading research institution.

We offer a fixed-term 2-years postdoc position with the salary and benefits based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund) effective at GSI.

GSI supports the vocational development of women. Therefore, women are especially encouraged to apply for the position.

Severely disabled persons are given preference when equally qualified. 

Further information about FAIR and GSI is available at www.gsi.de and www.fair-center.eu.

If you find this position interesting and challenging, please send your full application documents with information of your earliest possible starting date and the posting-ID 25.64-1270 above by 30^th of July 2025 at the latest to the following address:

Online-Bewerbungsportal

GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH

Human Resources Department

Planckstrasse1

64291 Darmstadt

GERMANY

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