Job Openings

  • Posted on 16 July 2026.

    Photonics, Time and Frequency Laboratory | September 2026 or by arrangement

    The Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology METAS is the reference institute for measurements and measuring instruments in Switzerland. To ensure that a litre is always a litre (e.g. when refuelling), METAS carries out calibrations, conformity assessments and consultations for business, research and administration. Measurement accuracy creates trust, especially at societal and political levels, and is essential in many areas: road traffic, electricity billing, time transmission, measurements in environmental and health sectors, etc. At METAS, various disciplines meet and complement each other – and this has been the case since 1862.

    Your tasks

    • Within the framework of the National Research Priority PRECISION, you play a central role in the development and characterisation of an optical frequency standard based on trapped Ca+ ions, in collaboration with PSI, the University of Basel and ETHZ.

    • You plan and implement a phase-stabilised fibre optic network for distributing reference frequencies between various research institutes in Switzerland.

    • You carry out preparatory work to establish the uncertainty budget of the Ca+ ion clock metrologically and integrate it as a source of optical reference frequency into the fibre optic network. A preliminary study with the frequency reference FoCS2 and/or TAI will be conducted.

    • As an employee of the national research cluster PRECISION, you participate in project meetings, workshops and scientific conferences at national and international levels.

    • You generally contribute to promoting the activities of the Photonics, Time and Frequency Laboratory.

    Your profile

    • You hold a Master’s degree (University/ETH), possibly a PhD/Doctorate in Physics or Physical Chemistry and have solid experience in one of the following areas: experimental quantum science, quantum optics, ion traps, time and frequency metrology, spectroscopy.

    • Interest and knowledge in metrology concepts, especially in the field of time and frequency. Knowledge of RF and optical clocks, as well as time and frequency distribution networks, laser stabilization and optics is advantageous.

    • Strong communication skills and experience acting as a central interface between project partners from different institutes and facilitating efficient exchange.

    • You enjoy working in a varied and demanding environment, show initiative and take pleasure in activities at the interface between research and industry.

    • Very good oral and written English skills

    We offer a varied activity at the interface between research and industry.

    METAS also offers attractive working conditions.

    You have the unique opportunity to contribute to a flagship project within the framework of the National Research Priority PRECISION. The scientific employee will play a central role in the development of a state-of-the-art optical frequency standard (optical clock) as well as the associated frequency distribution network. This position offers the opportunity to work at the interface between the various project partners from science and industry.

    Your application For technical enquiries, please contact:

    Dr Marc-Olivier André, +41 58 387 09 13, hr@metas.ch

    Head of Metrology in Physics

    We look forward to receiving your complete application documents.

    Please apply online.

    We do not consider personnel service providers for this position.

    METAS respects the diverse needs and life experiences of its employees and promotes their diversity. Equal treatment is a top priority.

  • Posted on 21 April 2026.

    A PhD position is available in the group of Prof. Stefan Willitsch at the University of Basel (Switzerland) on the development of quantum technologies for single trapped molecular ions and their application in precision spectroscopy.

    Project description

    In recent years, impressive advances in the quantum control of ultracold atoms and atomic ions have been achieved which enabled measurements with an unprecedented precision. Similarly precise experiments on molecules open up a range of new scientific perspectives owing to their rich level structure combining rotational and vibrational degrees of freedom. These include tests of new physical concepts, the implementation of new frequency standards, accurate evaluations of physical theories such as quantum electrodynamics and precise determinations of fundamental constants. They also lay the foundations for applications of molecules in the realm of modern quantum science such as quantum information and quantum sensing.  

    We have recently developed a new experimental approach enabling the readout and coherent manipulation of the quantum state of a single trapped molecular ion without destroying the molecule and indeed its quantum state itself. In the present project, the potential of this new method will be harnessed to perform highly sensitive and precise spectroscopic measurements on single molecules. In the project, we will introduce completely new approaches to molecular spectroscopy, further develop quantum technologies for molecular systems and establish new limits for the measurement precision of trapped molecules. 

    Further informations and applications

    For further information, please refer to recent publications, e.g.,

    •        M. Sinhal et al., "Quantum non-demolition state detection and spectroscopy of single trapped molecules”, Science 367 (2020), 1213 

    •        M. Deiß, S. Willitsch and J. H. Denschlag, "Cold trapped molecular ions and hybrid platforms for ions and neutral particles”, Nat. Phys. 20 (2024), 713

    •        A. Shlykov et al., “Quantum-logic spectroscopy of forbidden vibrational transitions in single nitrogen molecular ions”, arXiv 2603.10553 (2026)

    consult the group’s website at www.coldions.chemie.unibas.ch or contact Prof. Stefan Willitsch.

    Applicants should have a MSc degree in physics or physical chemistry, preferably with experience in experimental quantum science, quantum optics or spectroscopy. The PhD positions will be embedded in the Basel PhD program on “Quantum Computing and Quantum Technology” (QCQT, https://phdschoolqcqt.unibas.ch/en/), the new Swiss National Competence Center for Research “Precision” (www.nccr-precision.ch) and the Basel Quantum Center (www.quantum.unibas.ch).

    Inquiries and applications should be sent to Prof. Stefan Willitsch (stefan.willitsch@unibas.ch) and include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, transcripts of degree certificates and the contact details of at least two referees. Applications are accepted until the position has been filled.