Career

Job profile

The research group of Computational Spectroscopy at the TOPTEC Center, led by Karel Žídek, focuses on the implementation of novel methods, such as compressed sensing, to revisit standard techniques of laser spectroscopy. The activities include work in microscopy, pump-probe spectroscopy, and photoluminescence decay measurements. [Sci. Rep. 13 (2023) 8658; Opt. Express 32 (2024) 24756; Opt. Lett. 50 (2025) 1885]

Supported by an ERC-GOG grant COINED, we are currently building a unique experiment combining second-harmonic generation (SHG) spectroscopy with ultrafast acoustics. We envision this approach as an opportunity to trace properties of thin-film interfaces that are not accessible by any other method.

We are searching for a colleague to lead the theoretical modeling of SHG in thin films, including SHG from interfaces, thin metal layers, and strain-induced SHG. Close collaboration within our team of experimentalists and theoreticians is expected.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in physics or a related field

• Experience in numerical simulations in optics

• Good English communication skills

Experience with thin-film models and nonlinear optics is an asset. 

Offer

The position is available to start on July 1st, 2025, and is initially limited to one year with the possibility of extension. We offer a salary based on the IPP public research scheme, which includes Czech health insurance coverage. 

Application guidelines

If you are interested, please send your application, including your CV and motivation letter, to Karel Žídek (zidek@ipp.cas.cz). Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 

Job profile

The research group of Computational Spectroscopy at the TOPTEC Center, led by Karel Žídek, focuses on the implementation of novel methods, such as compressed sensing, to revisit standard techniques of laser spectroscopy. The activities include work in microscopy, pump-probe spectroscopy, and photoluminescence decay measurements. [Sci. Rep. 13 (2023) 8658; Opt. Express 32 (2024) 24756; Opt. Lett. 50 (2025) 1885]

Supported by an ERC-GOG grant COINED, we are currently building a unique experiment combining second-harmonic generation (SHG) spectroscopy with ultrafast acoustics. We envision this approach as an opportunity to trace properties of thin-film interfaces that are not accessible by any other method.

We are searching for a Ph.D. student to work in experimental SHG spectroscopy and ultrafast acoustics. The work will comprise building and optimizing new, exciting experimental setups and advanced data processing. Additionally, you can also learn thin-film characterization (including AFM and electron microscopy), software control of the experiment, and computational signal retrieval.

Requirements

• MSc. (or equivalent, including technical university degrees) in optics or a related field

• Experience with optics (theoretical or experimental)

• Programming (or a positive attitude to learning it)

• Good English communication skills

Experience with thin films, ultrafast spectroscopy, nonlinear optics, or solid-state physics is an asset.  

Offer

We offer a contract at TOPTEC Research Center, providing guidance and supervision of Ph.D. studies at the Technical University in Liberec—in total, the equivalent of 1 FTE position. The position at TOPTEC Research Center is available to start on July 1st, 2025, and it will be arranged for the duration of the Ph.D. with the possibility of extension. We offer a salary based on the IPP public research scheme, which includes Czech health insurance coverage.

Application guidelines

If you are interested, please send your application, including your CV and motivation letter, to Karel Žídek. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 

Contact person:  Karel Žídek E: zidek@ipp.cas.cz T: +420 604 926 025 L: linkedin.com/in/karel-zidek