Scientific Employee (80% - 100%), limited to 4 years

About the job

Scientific Employee (80% - 100%), limited to 4 years

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. Click on "Apply now" to do so.

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.