Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
- Research Field: Physics
- Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2), Established Researcher (R3)
- Application Deadline: 19 Aug 2026 - 22:00 (UTC)
- Country: Germany
- Type of Contract: To be defined
- Job Status: Other
- Offer Starting Date: 11 Aug 2026
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme
Offer Description
Work group: MPL
Area of research: Scientific / postdoctoral posts
Starting date: 11.08.2026
Job description:
DESY expands its research on novel laser-plasma accelerators (LPAs) for future applications in health, photon science and particle physics. At the core of these activities is the development of a plasma-based injector for the synchrotron light source PETRA IV. In this context, we are searching for a highly-motivated scientist to lead and shape our activities in data-driven design, optimization and real-time control of high-average-power LPAs.
With the PETRA IV project, DESY is launching one of the most ambitious and innovative large-scale research projects worldwide. PETRA IV, the most brilliant synchrotron radiation source of the next generation, will be the ultimate 4D X-ray microscope, setting new standards in precision and performance. To implement the project, we are looking for motivated employees who want to get involved in a complex project with international appeal. More information about PETRA IV: PETRA IV
About your role:
- Contribute to the development of the PETRA IV plasma injector
- Lead the development of state-of-the-art data analysis, control and fast feedback systems for LPAs operating at up to kHz repetition rates
- Develop and deploy novel diagnostics for laser-plasma accelerators and interface them with the control system
- Develop and deploy novel concepts for improving LPA beam quality and stability
- Coordinate and drive activities on the use of machine learning and differentiable computing for the operation of laser-plasma accelerators
About you:
- Completed university studies in physics with a PhD or a comparable qualification
- Track record in experimental demonstration of concepts for improving the LPA beam quality and stability as well as for autonomous LPA operation
- Track record in the development of control and DAQ systems for LPAs, including event-based measurements at kHz-level repition rates
- Very good knowledge of machine-learning methods such as Bayesian optimization, Gaussian Processes and Neural Networks
- Proven experience in the design, construction and operation of laser-plasma accelerators
- Experience in laser-plasma based synchrotron injectors, active energy compression and LPA-driven undulator radiation is a bonus
- Experience with software such as Python, C++, Rust, CUDA, Ax, PyTorch and FBPIC
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.
We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal: Apply now
DESY promotes the professional development of women and therefore strongly encourages women to apply for the position to be filled. In addition, severely handicapped persons with equal aptitude are given preferential consideration. The advertised positions are basically suitable for part-time employment.
You can find further information here: www.desy.de/career/
Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
Personalabteilung | Notkestraße 85 | 22607 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 8998-3392
This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.
Where to apply
E-mail: recruitment@desy.de
Website: https://www.desy.de/career/job_offers/index_eng.html?joboffer=320093
Additional Information
Website for additional job details: https://www.desy.de/career/job_offers/index_eng.html?joboffer=320093
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
- Country: Germany
- City: Hamburg
Contact
- City: Hamburg
- Website: http://www.desy.de
- Street: Notkestraße 85
- Postal Code: 22607
- E-Mail: desyinfo@desy.de
- Phone: +49 40 8998-0
- Fax: +49 40 8998-3282
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