Our research and teaching center on astroparticle and low-energy neutrino physics, focusing on the properties of neutrinos and their role in the universe. Neutrinos offer insights into some of the most profound questions in physics and cosmology, such as the origin of mass, the matter-antimatter imbalance, the engines behind cosmic phenomena like supernovae, and possible physics beyond the Standard Model.

With the IceCube Neutrino Observatory we focus on precision measurements of neutrino oscillations as well as neutrino astronomy and the experimental search for supernova neutrinos.  In addition, we contribute to the development of photosensor technologies essential for next-generation neutrino detectors.  Our concept, which is based on wavelength-shifting and light-conducting materials, promises a significant increase in detection efficiency and, in particular, a significant reduction in noise.

The same technology can also be applied to readout scintillation light in the NuDoubt⁺⁺ experiment to improve the light collection and thus energy resolution — an important feature of any neutrino-less double beta experiment. Advancing the reconstruction and background rejection will allow to measure double-positron decays at an unprecedented precision and help answering the question wether neutrinos are of Majorana type.

Project 8 aims to measure the absolute values of the neutrino masses in tritium beta decay. Using the novel CRES technology enables unprecedented energy resolution — if combined with a source of atomic tritium. This requires to dissociate tritium molecules at temperatures beyond 2000K, before they are cooled to be trapped at millikelvin temperatures.

PhD and postdoctoral positions are regularly available in the listed research areas, subject to funding availability. For inquiries regarding open research positions please contact us at sboeser@uni-mainz.de.

We offer a wide range of thesis topics for students interested in astroparticle and neutrino physics that provide opportunities to contribute to internationally recognized projects such as IceCube, Project 8, and NuDoubt⁺⁺. Whether you’re drawn to hands-on work in the lab or data analysis and simulation, we will find a topic that matches your interests.

If you’re curious to see how we work at the intersection of fundamental physics and advanced technology, please contact sboeser@uni-mainz.de to learn more and discuss available topics.

We welcome students who are interested in internships within our group, with stays ranging from a few weeks to several months. Financial support is available, for example, through the PRISMA⁺ internship program.

We maintain a list of past Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral theses completed within our group: