Your Job :

Gravitational waves from colliding black holes, exploding stars or maybe from dark ages of the universe tell us about the evolution of our cosmos. Following the Nobel Prize in physics of 2017, we are now planning the next generation of even more sensitive observations. The so-called "Einstein-Telescope" (ET) is European`s future in gravitational wave detection. It might be built in the Euregio. For more information, see or . Gravitational waves are detected by laser interferometers based on the concept of the Michelson Interferometer. The ET will include six of those interferometers with arm lengths of 10 km each in an underground, triangular configuration. To avoid interaction of the laser beams with air or any residual gas the laser beams will travel in ultrahigh vacuum tubes (UHV) with a diameter of approximately 1 m. In total, there will be 120 km of those tubes. It will be by far the largest UHV system ever built.

Support us in working on the design of the vacuum system as well as investigation in material development for vacuum applications. Main topics of the PhD will be :

• Development of general layout of vacuum system, simulation of the vacuum conditions and heat management during operation, estimation of the pumping capacities including engineering of the pumping stations, gauges and valves, define the operating and system conditions
• Development of an emergency fast closing system, a very compact fast closing valve, for the vacuum system, including design and testing of prototypes of these valves
• Development of strategies for leakage detection,maintenance, repair and corrosion protection
• Scientific research and investigation of new materials compositions (steel or other metals) or coatings ( NEGs) as well as new material groups (various polymers, ceramics, etc.) for use in UHV as an alternative to expensive stainless-steel alloys
• Fundamental and theoretical considerations on the various gas release mechanisms for these composites and material groups. This is followed by the evaluation of different analysis methods, their selection and optimization as well as appropriate measurements and the evaluation and assessment results
• Work out of project plan for the installation of the vacuum system for ET including time and cost estimation
• Cooperation with national and international science groups and companies working on the production and installation process of vacuum pipes and their frames

Most of your work will be at ZEA-1 in close collaboration with the groups involved in the development of the ET at RWTH Aachen University as well as several partner universities in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Your Profile :

Our Offer :

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree :

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere in Jülich, we have a lot more to offer :

The position is for a fixed term of 3 years. Pay in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“).