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Master's thesis (m/f/x) - Design of a diode laser
Job Description
Req ID:  6063
Place of work:  Hamburg
Starting date:  01.10.2026
Career level:  Student research project and final thesis, Student employment
Type of employment:  Part time
Duration of contract:  zunächst für 6 Monate

Remuneration: Remuneration is in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector - Federal Government (TVöD-Bund)
Hint: Security clearance as well as the willingness to security clearance pursuant to §§ 8 ff. Security Clearance Act (SÜG) is a condition for employment at DLR

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V.; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 12,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!

At the DLR Institute of Quantum Technologies in Ulm, we develop precision instruments for space applications based on quantum technologies and bring them to prototype maturity together with industry. In addition, we are driving forward the transfer to aeronautics, digitalisation, energy, security and transport.  We have an interdisciplinary approach: Theoretical basic research and experimental tests meet engineering implementation.

What to expect                     

The Department for the Integration of Micro- and Nano-systems (QT-IMN) develops technologies for the implementation and miniaturization of quantum systems. In particular, the challenging requirements of the aerospace industry are taken into account and possibilities to increase the scalability of the systems are explored.

At our Hamburg-Lokstedt site, we collaborate with start-ups that are developing ion-trap-based quantum computers for the German Aerospace Center (DLR). As part of this collaboration, we develop and characterize chip-based optical waveguides for our project partners. The objective of this position is to set up and characterize diode lasers. These lasers will be used to upgrade an existing measurement system for determining the intrinsic losses of optical waveguides by enabling measurements at additional wavelengths.

Your tasks 

  • You assemble and characterize diode lasers from provided components. The diode lasers are designed to emit light at wavelengths of 935 nm and 780 nm.
  • You continuously optimize and further develop the scattered-light measurement technique and the insertion-loss method for characterizing the intrinsic losses of optical waveguides.
  • You determine the intrinsic losses of in situ fabricated optical waveguides.
  • You develop software to control the individual system components and to automate the experiments described above.
  • You contribute to the further development of our control software.

Your profile

  • Student in a scientific university degree program (Bachelor’s or Master’s) in natural sciences (e.g., Physics, Chemistry) or natural sciences or engineering (Electrical Engineering, Information Systems) or other degree programs relevant to the position
  • first Knowledge of microsystems engineering, of atomic, molecular, or laser physics and in creating graphical user interfaces in Python or LabVIEW

Unfortunately, it is not possible to offer remuneration for the completion of the Master’s thesis. There may be an opportunity to work as a student assistant in a related field. Remuneration for this role, depending on qualifications and the tasks assigned, may be up to pay band E5 of the TVöD as part-time work.

We offer

DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.

We look forward to getting to know you!

 

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 6063) please contact:

 

Dr. Jakob Buchheim 
Tel.: +49 731 400198 909