OPEN PHD POSITION: Novel Nanophotonic Electron Accelerator

About our Campus: Hebrew University’s Edmond J. Safra Campus is a vibrant hub of academic and research excellence nestled in the heart of Jerusalem. Our modern campus boasts state-of-the-art lab facilities, world-renowned faculty, and a stimulating environment that fosters scientific exploration, intellectual growth, and innovation.

About Our Department: Hebrew University’s Department of Applied Physics lies at the frontier of physics research, engaging in the high-tech fields of nanotechnology, optoelectronics, microelectronics, and quantum technologies. Our department encompasses 12 research groups and several research centers, including nanofabrication, miniature integrated systems, and nanocharacterization. 

About Our Research: The Nanophotonic Electron Acceleration lab at Hebrew University is dedicated to advancing nanophotonic electron on-chip laser accelerators and experimenting with related electron-photon quantum interaction. This research extends its reach across diverse scientific realms, from classical electromagnetics to quantum science, with potential applications in high-energy particle physics, material science, and even real-world devices like miniature medical irradiation tools. Our exploration of novel nanophotonic design techniques aims to enhance the efficiency and versatility of electron-manipulating structures, opening new avenues for groundbreaking applications. 

Job Description: We’re searching for researchers interested in the theory and simulation, and experiments, in nanophotonics, electron optics, accelerator physics, and quantum electron-photon interactions.

As a PhD candidate or postdoc in our lab, you’ll be engaged in cutting-edge research in a range of topics, including: 

• Particle accelerators
• Electron optics
• Nanophotonics
• Nanofabrication
• Light-matter interaction at the quantum limit

Experiments involve the use of powerful ultrafast laser light and electron beams in electron microscopes, with an applied physics approach and an eye toward the practical applications of these phenomena. 

About Your Supervisor: Your mentor, Dr. Roy Shiloh is a world-leading expert in nanophotonic laser acceleration with hands-on experience in experiment, manufacturing, simulation, and design. Following several years in Germany and influential publications in renowned journals such as Nature and Physical Review Letters, he is now continuing his work at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Funding: A monthly scholarship, ranging from 6,500 to 8,000 NIS, which increases annually. Typically, PhD students are also employed as teaching assistants, earning a salary along with associated social benefits. 

Your Profile: To excel in this role, we seek candidates with: 

• Degree in physics/electrical engineering – required
• Background in light optics (geometrical optics, Fourier optics) – required
• Minimal programming experience– required
• Excellent English skills– required
• In-lab experience with lasers and light optical-setups – advantage
• Programming experience in MATLAB – advantage
• Experience with simulation software such as COMSOL, CST, HFSS, SIMION, or similar – advantage
• Experience with CAD software – advantage

Embracing Diversity: At Hebrew University we believe that diversity inspires creativity, fosters curiosity, and enriches our ecosystem through academic collaboration and cultural exchange. We consider every member of our community an integral part, irrespective of their religion, gender, or ethnic origin.

HUJI is home to nearly 25,000 students across our 6 campuses, including ~2,500 per year representing 90+ countries. You’ll enjoy the opportunity to engage with your peers here on equal ground, in an environment that promotes equity and inclusion, and celebrates the contribution of its talented members. 

Application: We welcome your application via our online portal, complete with all required documents compiled into a single PDF:

• Letter of motivation
• CV (including a list of publications)
• Brief statement of research interests (max. 1500 characters)
• Copy of your original academic degree(s)

Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted through our online portal by January 1, 2025.

About Hebrew University: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) is one of the world's leading research institutions, consistently ranked as a global top-100 university. Established by luminaries such as Albert Einstein, we’re at the forefront of groundbreaking research, entrepreneurship, and innovation across various domains, including brain sciences, medicine, biomedicine, life sciences, mathematics, agriculture, and more. Our 6 campuses house 100+ research centers, with ~4,000 research projects underway year-round. 

About Jerusalem: Hebrew University is an integral part of Jerusalem, Israel’s capital and one of the most fascinating, diverse cities on earth. Thousands of students from across the globe live in Jerusalem, immersing themselves in its vibrant cultural and culinary scenes, while marveling at the juxtaposition of its 3,000-year-old history and cutting-edge modernity. Students make the most of their spare time by enjoying Jerusalem’s myriad attractions, from restaurants, cafes and pubs, to dance clubs, museums, theaters, and year-round festivals.