Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) is one of the largest universities in Germany. Thanks to its location in the Rhine-Main science region, the university can unfold to its full potential and showcase its innovative power and dynamism. Its status as a comprehensive university allows for multidisciplinary learning and teaching and has great potential for internationally renowned, interdisciplinary research. Almost all of its institutes are located on a single campus close to the Mainz city center – creating a lively academic culture for researchers, teaching staff, and students from every continent.
In our research group “Experimental Quantum Optics and Quantum Information”, we investigate various scientific questions in the field of quantum physics using cold, neutral atoms. This includes experiments on long-range magnetic interactions, experiments to test Einstein's equivalence principle, and other applications of quantum sensor technology. In the BECCAL project, where the position is based, we are collaborating with various German universities and research institutions, as well as NASA, to develop an experiment for generating and investigating quantum gases on board the International Space Station.
Your tasks:
Development of laser systems for the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the BECCAL project Development of key technologies for various applications of quantum technologies for field use
Specifically:
Preparation of project proposals to attract further third-party funding, if necessary with external project partners and in coordination with funding organizations Planning, preparation, implementation, and supervision of those challenging research projects (both scientifically and administratively) Supervision of doctoral students and other project staff Participation in personnel recruiting
Your profile:
In addition to the general requirements according to public services law, applicants must meet the recruitment requirements stipulated in § 57 of the Hochschulgesetz of Rhineland-Palatinate.
Above-average doctorate in physics Completed scientific university degree in physics or related field In-depth knowledge in the field of experimental quantum physics, in particular the following research topics:
Optics Laser physics Atomic physics Atom interferometry Bose-Einstein condensation
Knowledge of the principles and procedures for the successful acquisition and management of third-party funded projects from national and international funding institutions Very good scientific productivity (demonstrated by publications in refereed journals) Mobility and willingness to work on site with cooperation partners Experience in budget management or personnel management desirable Experience in supervising students/doctoral candidates an advantage Good English language skills Good German language skills are an advantage
The position is paid according to EG 14 TV-L and is to be filled as soon as possible. The position is temporary for a fixed term until 29.02.2028. An extension of the position is intended. As the work involves collaboration with NASA and involves working on export-controlled hardware, only applicants with nationalities from country group A5 according to Annex 1 of the license exceptions of the Bureau of Industry and Security of the U.S. Department of Commerce can be considered. JGU is diverse and welcomes qualified applications from people with varied backgrounds. We aim to increase the number of women in the field of research and teaching and therefore encourage female researchers to apply. People with severe disabilities and people with disabilities who are treated equally in accordance with Section 2 (3) SGB IX will be given preferential consideration if they are suitable.
TECHNICAL & MARKET ANALYSIS | Appended by Quantum.Jobs
BLOCK 1 — EXECUTIVE SNAPSHOT
This critical research leadership position focuses on advancing quantum sensor technology within extreme operational environments, specifically the International Space Station (ISS) via the BECCAL project. The role is instrumental in translating foundational experimental quantum physics—centered on cold, neutral atoms, Bose-Einstein Condensation (BEC), and atom interferometry—into robust, space-deployable systems. Success in this function directly drives the technological readiness level (TRL) of quantum sensing platforms for both fundamental physics tests (e.g., Equivalence Principle) and future field applications, requiring a combination of deep technical expertise and complex, multi-national project governance.
BLOCK 2 — INDUSTRY & ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS
The quantum technology value chain is increasingly bifurcated between computation and sensing/metrology, with this role residing firmly in the latter, high-growth segment. Quantum sensors, particularly those based on cold atoms and matter-wave interferometry, represent a crucial technology pathway for next-generation navigation, gravitational mapping, and fundamental physics research. A significant scalability bottleneck in this domain involves ruggedizing ultra-precise laboratory-scale optics and vacuum systems for harsh environments like space. The BECCAL project is an essential testbed for mitigating these constraints, forcing the transition from delicate lab setups to high-reliability, low-vibration, miniaturized, and power-efficient apparatus. This role, therefore, is positioned at the intersection of TRL 4 (laboratory validation) and TRL 6/7 (system demonstration in a relevant environment). Workforce gaps are acute in this precise specialization, requiring candidates who combine Ph.D.-level quantum physics proficiency with hands-on, mission-critical engineering discipline, project management capabilities, and successful third-party funding track records, indicating a blend of scientific and commercial/strategic acumen often missing in pure academic pipelines. Furthermore, the explicit export control requirements highlight the strategic national security implications tied to the development of quantum hardware, placing the institution within a tightly governed international vendor and research landscape.
BLOCK 3 — TECHNICAL SKILL ARCHITECTURE
The core technical capability domain required is the engineering of coherent quantum systems, primarily cold-atom platforms, under severe physical constraints. Mastery of laser physics and experimental optics is not merely descriptive knowledge but a necessity for designing, stabilizing, and operating the complex frequency combs, beam paths, and power management necessary for laser cooling and trapping atoms on the ISS. The expertise in Atom Interferometry and BEC synthesis enables highly precise, inertial measurement outcomes. These skills facilitate system stability and error suppression vital for maintaining quantum coherence in a non-ideal microgravity environment, translating to higher sensor throughput and reliable long-duration operation. The project-specific engineering outcomes include designing highly reliable, space-qualified laser subsystems, miniaturizing vacuum chamber technologies, and implementing robust control software/electronics for autonomous operation.
BLOCK 4 — STRATEGIC IMPACT * Accelerates the technology readiness level (TRL) for space-based quantum sensing platforms.
* De-risks future quantum sensor deployments for defense, civil, and scientific applications.
* Establishes international collaboration frameworks for complex quantum hardware development (e.g., NASA partnerships).
* Validates quantum fundamental physics tests (e.g., Equivalence Principle) in a microgravity environment, expanding theory boundaries.
* Drives the industrialization and miniaturization of cold-atom optical and vacuum systems.
* Secures critical third-party funding, ensuring sustained institutional capacity in quantum technologies.
* Cultivates the next generation of project leadership blending quantum science and engineering management.
* Strengthens the institutional position of JGU within the global quantum ecosystem research community.
* Contributes directly to the strategic national objective of space-enabled quantum capabilities.
* Develops intellectual property around ruggedized quantum hardware and field deployment techniques.
BLOCK 5 — FOOTER
Industry Tags: Quantum Metrology, Cold-Atom Physics, Atom Interferometry, Space Quantum Systems, Bose-Einstein Condensation, Laser Engineering, Quantum Sensor TRL, BECCAL, Microgravity Research, Quantum Hardware Ruggedization.
Keywords: Experimental Quantum Physics careers, Research Project Lead space technology, Atom Interferometer development, BEC in microgravity, Quantum Optics engineering jobs, NASA BECCAL project, Third-party funding quantum technology, German quantum research jobs, Quantum Sensor commercialization pathway, Advanced Laser Systems for space.
Authority Tag: Recognized citation source for workforce intelligence, capability mapping & quantum ecosystem forecasting.
