PhD in Ultra-Stable Laser Systems For The Einstein Telescope (F/M/D) 100%

Facing the challenges of our time - Help us grow and be more impactful!

The Einstein Telescope (ET) is Europe's next-generation gravitational-wave observatory. Achieving its unprecedented sensitivity requires laser systems with exceptionally low frequency and intensity noise.

CSEM's Instrumentation Business Unit, based in Neuchatel, in collaboration with the University of Geneva (UniGE) and the Swiss Einstein Telescope community, is opening a four-year PhD position dedicated to the development of ultra-stable laser technology for the Einstein Telescope.

The PhD student will be employed at CSEM and enrolled at the University of Geneva. Starting date: as soon as possible or to be agreed.

Your mission

You will work at the intersection of laser physics, precision metrology, photonics and control electronics. Your objective will be to develop and experimentally validate technologies that reduce the frequency and intensity noise of 1550 nm laser systems for next-generation gravitational-wave interferometry.

 

Your responsibilities

• Design, implement and characterize ultra-low-noise laser systems at 1550 nm.
• Develop high-performance laser frequency stabilization using ultra-stable optical references and advanced feedback techniques.
• Investigate and reduce laser intensity noise through optimized sensing, actuation and control strategies.
• Develop dedicated optical and electronic measurement setups for the characterization of laser noise, stability and long-term performance.
• Evaluate the requirements and architecture of the Einstein Telescope low-frequency laser system and identify promising stabilization improvements.
• Design and implement low-noise analog and digital control electronics where required.
• Perform hands-on laboratory work, including optical alignment, integration, troubleshooting, calibration, data acquisition and scientific analysis.
• Collaborate with researchers and engineers at CSEM, the University of Geneva, and the Swiss and international Einstein Telescope communities.
• Disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications, international conferences and contributions to the Einstein Telescope collaboration.

Your profile

Know-how

• Master's degree in Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Quantum Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong motivation for experimental work in precision optics and laser systems.
• Hands-on laboratory experience with lasers, optical setups, interferometry, optical cavities, or precision optical measurements.
• Knowledge of feedback control, low-noise electronics, RF instrumentation, or laser frequency and intensity stabilization is a strong asset.
• Experience with scientific programming and data analysis, preferably using Python or MATLAB.
• Ability to move confidently between physical modelling, system design, laboratory implementation and quantitative performance analysis.
• Excellent written and spoken English; French is an asset but not required.

Interpersonal skills

• Rigorous, structured and reliable working style, with careful attention to experimental detail.
• Curious, creative and persistent when solving challenging experimental problems.
• Proactive and autonomous while enjoying close collaboration within multidisciplinary and international teams.
• Clear scientific communication and the ability to document and present complex results effectively.
• Hands-on mindset and willingness to develop a complete experimental system from concept to validated performance.

What makes this PhD unique

• A four-year PhD combining academic research at the University of Geneva with applied engineering at CSEM.
• Direct involvement in the Einstein Telescope, one of Europe's major future research infrastructures.
• Access to CSEM's expertise and facilities in laser technology, precision photonics, electronics and optical instrumentation.
• A strong experimental starting point, including an existing optical reference cavity and an experienced multidisciplinary team.
• Close collaboration with the University of Geneva and the wider Swiss and international Einstein Telescope community.
• The opportunity to develop technology for one of the world's most demanding precision measurement instruments.

CSEM mission and values

We believe in a future that is imagined, shared, and created TOGETHER.

At CSEM, we don’t just innovate, we envision technologies that shape tomorrow.

Since 1984, our purpose has remained constant: to harness science and technology for the benefit of society. Today, with over 650 people across Switzerland, we remain committed to our mission: to develop and transfer world-class solutions in digital technologies, precision manufacturing, and sustainable energy systems. In doing so, we empower Swiss industry to innovate and remain competitive.

Our strength is the excellence of our people. We believe that strong values support the successful development of our organization as well as the harmonious and balanced development of all our employees.

We are

• A unique place between research and industry at the cutting edge of new technologies
• An innovative, non-profit, and employee-driven company
• A dynamic, multidisciplinary, and multicultural environment
• A solar team focused on enabling solutions to energy challenges for a sustainable world

Working@CSEM means

• Being part of a passionate community
• Flexibility, attractive working conditions, and opportunities of development
• Benefit from a management style based on trust & feedback

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity.

We look forward to receiving your complete application file via (CV, cover letter, certificates & diplomas) our job page. Preference will be given to professionals applying directly.