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For our location in Hamburg we are seeking:
Scientist - Soft X-ray spectroscopy at FLASH
Limited: 3 years | Start: 01.10.2025 | ID: FSMA021/2025 | Deadline: 31.08.2025 | Full-time/Part-time
DESY, with more than 2900 employees at its two locations in Hamburg and Zeuthen, is one of the world's leading research centres. Its research focuses on decoding the structure and function of matter, from the smallest particles of the universe to the building blocks of life. In this way, DESY contributes to solving the major questions and urgent challenges facing science, society and industry. With its ultramodern research infrastructure, its interdisciplinary research platforms and its international networks, DESY offers a highly attractive working environment in the fields of science, technology and administration as well as for the education of highly qualified young scientists.
DESY's free electron laser (FEL) FLASH offers unique opportunities for multidisciplinary research in the extreme ultraviolet (XUV) and soft X-ray range. The very intense, femtosecond pulses in combination with synchronized optical laser systems and strong THz pulses allow exploring ultrafast time-scales using pump-probe techniques. We have an immediate opening for a scientist position at the newly established pulse length-preserving monochromator beamline FL23 in combination with the high-resolution monochromator beamlines at FLASH1.
The research activity will focus on dynamical studies of the electronic structure, correlation effects, and magnetic properties in e.g. quantum materials using time-resolved soft X-ray spectroscopy techniques. Together with the FLASH monochromator team, the successful candidate will be in charge of further developing the beamlines, participating in the commissioning with seeded FEL beam, supporting the user operation at the monochromator beamlines, as well as conducting own FEL experiments.
About your role:
- Characterisation and operation of the ultrafast FL23 beamline for time-resolved X-ray spectroscopy experiments
- Performing FEL based spectroscopy experiments using different techniques like X-ray absorption, X-ray photoemission, RIXS etc. to study ultrafast dynamics on solid samples in the XUV & soft X-ray range
- High quality support for international user groups during experiment campaigns at the monochromator beamlines with active participation in the experiments
- Contribution to the in-house research activities at FLASH
Good reasons to join:
Look forward to a unique working environment on our international research campus. Respectful cooperation and the well-being of our DESY employees are particularly important to us. Gender equality is an important aspect for us. To support work life balance we offer flexible working hours, variable part-time, job-sharing models and participation in mobile work (up to 50%). You will benefit from our family-friendly and collegial atmosphere, our established health management and occupational pension provision. As a public funded employer, we offer you a secure workplace and facilitate your individual career with our comprehensive training and development opportunities. Remuneration is according to the regulations of the TV-AVH. DESY offers its employees a financial supplement for a German job ticket (Deutschland-Ticket) at both locations.
Limited: 3 years
About you:
- PhD in experimental physics, chemistry, materials science or a related field
- Experience in photon science using FELs or synchrotron radiation sources
- Experience with soft X-ray and optical spectroscopy, optical absorption spectroscopy or Raman spectroscopy
- Knowledge of pump-probe techniques using femtosecond lasers is considered as an asset
- Strong programming skills
- Team player with excellent communication skills in English to pursue highly collaborative research programs and work in large international collaborations
For further information please contact Günter Brenner at +49 40 8998-4527 (guenter.brenner@desy.de) and Elke Plönjes-Palm at +49 40 8998-2602 (elke.ploenjes@desy.de).
Please submit your complete application documents (letter of motivation, CV and relevant certificates).
We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal:
Apply now
DESY promotes equal opportunities and diversity. The professional development of women is very important to us and therefore we strongly encourage women to apply for the vacant position. Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preference if they are equally qualified (sbv.desy.de).
You can find further information here:
https://www.desy.de/career/
Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
Personalabteilung
Notkestraße 85
22607 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 8998-3392
Deadline for applications: 01.09.2025