Scientist in the field of solid-state lasers (all genders)
City: Ettlingen
Date: Sep 18, 2026
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) is one of the world's leading organizations for application-oriented research. 74 institutes develop pioneering technologies for our economy and society – more precisely: 30 000 people from technology, science, administration and IT. They know: Anyone who comes to Fraunhofer wants to and can make a difference. For themselves, for us and for the markets of today and tomorrow.
You are thrilled by both conceptual questions and experimental work in the laboratory as well as the optimization and further development of solid-state laser architectures and would like to help advance the state of the art in high-power solid-state lasers? You are a team player, yet willing to meet some tough challenges on your own? You wish to obtain a doctor degree or are interested in post-doc studies? Moreover, you do not mind being involved in projects with defence-related background?
If this is the case, apply with Fraunhofer IOSB and get the opportunity to become a sought-after expert in solid-state lasers. The position forms part of the Laser Technology (LAS) department, which develops and evaluates specific photonic materials and components, associated laser sources and nonlinear converters, and optimizes laser systems in the NIR, SWIR, MWIR and LWIR range for various fields of applications. More informationen on the department can be found here: www.iosb.fraunhofer.de/LAS
What you will do
- You develop, investigate and optimize laser designs and laser setups using photonic components with new functionalities
- You will be involved in the scientific investigation of solid-state lasers to evaluate different laser architectures in a broad team of experts in the field of photonic components, laser sources and nonlinear converters
- You will work independently on projects in the field of solid-state laser technology and write reports and publications in English and German
What you bring to the table
- Degree (diploma/master) in physics, chemistry, electrical engineering or equivalent disciplines
- Knowledge in design and realization of solid-state lasers (design of laser resonators, structure of optical components, thermal effects in solid-state lasers) and related measurement techniques (beam quality, spectrum, temporal dynamics, etc.)
- Relevant work experience
- Knowledge and relevant work experience in one or more of the areas of fiber optics, micro-optics, crystal optics, electro-optic and acousto-optic components, and solid-state physics would be of advantage.
What you can expect
- Opportunity to work in diverse, exciting projects at the interface between research and application, present and future
- Free space for personal scientific development and the opportunity to push forward issues and projects on your own initiative
- Excellent, state-of-the-art technical equipment with partially not commercially available equipment
- A motivated team ensuring mutual inspiration owing to the interdisciplinary composition
- A wide range of further training
- Family-friendly conditions (flexible working hours, home-office regulations in line with the requirements of the position, etc.)
Our institute’s mission is to open up various development paths, providing individual career opportunities and routes both in business and science. You will receive systematic support within the framework of our HR concept. On the one hand, you will benefit from the typical Fraunhofer profile combining basic research and the practical deployment of innovative technologies in specific application domains. On the other hand, you will benefit from Fraunhofer IOSB’s specifically large variety of skills, covering the entire chain of optronics and sensor data evaluation and ranging to the engineering of secure and user-adequate systems.
The employment is on a fixed-term 2 year contract with the possibility of prolongation or transformation into an unlimited employment. The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance-based variable remuneration components.
With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.
Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!
Dr. Christelle Kieleck
Abteilungsleiterin Lasertechnologie
Telefon: +49 7243 992-310
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Marc Eichhorn
Direktor und Bereichsleiter Verteidigung
Telefon: +49 7243 992-131
Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB
www.iosb.fraunhofer.de