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Physicist (f/m/d) - for quantum-based sensors
Job Description
Req ID:  3805
Place of work:  Ulm
Starting date:  01.03.2026
Career level:  Experienced professionals
Type of employment:  Part time, Full-time
Duration of contract:  zunächst befristet für 2 Jahre

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 11,000 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.

The Department of Quantum Nanophysics is engaged in research into novel, quantum-based sensors for measuring electric and magnetic fields and for materials research. To this end, atoms are used as self-calibrated and extremely sensitive sensor media. Such sensors promise great advantages for applications in industry or in space.
Bring quantum technologies into application with our team!

Your tasks

  • Plan new research projects and realize quantum-based sensors to measure magnetic and electric fields for several applications in space and on ground.
  • Design novel quantum sensors on a lab scale and evaluate their experimental feasibility using computer simulations.
  • Build novel sensors based on Rydberg atoms and miniaturize them in collaboration with internal and external partners as well as industry.
  • Take part in measurement campaigns to characterize the sensors in real-world scenarios and answer fundamental and applied scientific questions.
  • Analyze the results using commercial and in-house developed programs and prepare the data for publication.

Your profile

  • completed scientific university degree (Master / Diploma Uni) in natural sciences (e.g. Phyics) or engineering (e.g. from the fields of Quantum technologies, quantum physics or quantum engineering) or other degree programmes relevant to the position
  • experimental research experience in the field of quantum physics, proven e.g. by final theses
  • experience in common programming languages (e.g. Python or C) as well as CAD drawing programmes (e.g. SolidWorks) and mathematical analysis software (e.g. MatLab or Mathematica)
  • experience in planning and setting up quantum experiments, especially in the field of spectroscopy and Rydberg atoms or levitated nanoparticles
  • confident command of written and spoken German and English

Remuneration is up to the German TVÖD 13 depending on qualifications and assigned tasks.

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.

Wir freuen uns darauf, dich kennenzulernen!

Fragen zu dieser Position (Kennziffer 3805) beantwortet dir gerne:

Christian Brand 
Tel.: +49 731 400 198 602