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For our location in Hamburg we are seeking:
Scientist for ultrafast pump-probe lasers at FLASH
Limited: 3 years | Starting date: earliest possible | ID: FSMA028/2025 | Deadline: 07.10.2025 | 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.
Ultrafast lasers are key to a large variety of research efforts at DESY. We are operating several of those ultrafast laser systems 24/7 at excellent availability. Our team focuses on the development and operation of novel ultrafast high-power laser systems covering the spectral range from ultraviolet to mid-infrared as next generation pump-probe laser systems at the FLASH XUV and soft-X-ray FEL user facility. Within this scope, we are seeking a highly motivated scientist to join our team working on next-generation ultrafast pump-probe laser systems at the FLASH XUV and soft X-ray free-electron laser (FEL) facility. Ultrafast lasers are essential to DESY's accelerator science and user experiments, enabling pump-probe techniques that uncover dynamic processes on femtosecond timescales. You will play a central role in the development, operation, and integration of advanced laser systems panning the ultraviolet to mid-infrared spectral regions.
About your role:
- Drive the development of next-generation ultrafast lasers spanning the ultraviolet to mid-infrared spectral regions
- Design and implement advanced pulse diagnostics and integrate the laser systems into the FLASH facility to enable 24/7 remote-controlled operation and high-performance output in user experiments
- Be responsible for the reliable operation of ultrafast pump-probe laser systems at the FLASH free-electron laser facility
- Be an active member of experimental campaigns, collaborating closely with international user groups and beamline scientists during pump-probe experiments
- Present scientific results at international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals
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:
- Ph.D. degree in physics, electrical engineering or equivalent qualification
- Excellent knowledge of ultrafast laser technology, nonlinear optics and pulse diagnostics
- Proven scientific track record in ultrafast optics
- Strong communication skills in English and ability to thrive in an international, interdisciplinary team
- A collaborative mindset and demonstrated ability to work as a team player in a dynamic research environment
- Experience with laser control systems, programming, and working in large-scale research facilities is a plus
For further information please contact Huseyin Cankaya at +49 40 8998-6093 (huseyin.cankaya@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: 08.10.2025
