Limited: 2 years with the option of permanent employment | Starting date: 01.10.2026 | ID: MMA042/2026 | Deadline: 15.08.2026 | Full-time/Part-time | Remote work possible
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 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 laser scientist with a broad range of expertise and knowledge in high-power laser development and a background in laser-plasma acceleration. The successful candidate will optimize the system architecture of high-energy LPA drive laser for the PETRA IV plasma injector, with a special focus on passive (and active) stabilization, optimized working points for LPA operation, and continuous performance improvements.
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
- Contribute to the development of the PETRA IV plasma injector
- Develop, implement, and improve methods to passively (and actively) stabilize the laser performance
- Develop a LPA drive laser performance model to identify optimum working points
- Develop new, creative methods to diagnose and to enhance the perfomance of the LPA drive laser
- Deploying those methods in close cooperation with the team operating the plasma accelerator
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: 2 years with the option of permanent employment
- Completed university studies in (laser) physics with a PhD or a comparable qualification
- Track record simulating Joule-class LPA drive laser systems, including aspects such as amplifier performance, heat- and dispersion management
- Track record and proven own contributions using methods such as multi-input-multi-output models and other techniques to identfy optimum laser working point
- Experience with diffrent laser architectures (e.g., Ti:Sa, Yb:YAG, or Nd:Glas) and their diagnostic
- Track record of developing new and creative ideas to enhance the performance of LPA drive lasers
- Experience in particle-in-cell simulations, e.g., using FBPIC, to model the start- to-end the chain of laser-pulse generation, transport, and electron acceleration in the plasma is a bonus
- Experience in LPA experiments, LPA-based synchrotron injectors, active energy compression, and LPA-driven undulator radiation is a bonus
For further information please contact Andreas Maier at 040 8998 6687, [email protected]
Please submit your complete application documents (letter of motivation, CV and relevant certificates).
We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal:
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: 16.08.2026
