European XFEL is an international non-profit company located in the Hamburg area in Germany. It operates a 3.4 km-long X-ray laser, which produces X-rays of unique quality for studies in physics, chemistry, the life sciences, materials research and other disciplines. The diverse scientific facilities at European XFEL enable scientists from across the globe to carry out a wide range of experimental techniques.
For our MID group we are looking for an
The Position
The PhD project is partially funded by the Cluster of Excellence “BlueMat: Water-Driven Materials” which is a new research initiatives managed by the Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg (TUHH) and where EuXFEL is a collaborator. The successful candidate will integrate into the MID team at EuXFEL which will be the daily working place. The candidate will also connect with BlueMat partners and interdisciplinary teams that combine science, sustainability, and technology. The academic registration will be at TUHH under the supervision of Prof. Patrick Huber. It is the responsibility of the candidate to fulfill the requirements of the PhD program at the academic partner institution.
The PhD project is organized over workpackages:
WP-1: exploration of twin pulses created by the accelerator.
WP-2: exploration of twin pulses created by the SDL
WP-3: benchmarking experiment based on diffusion of nanoparticles in water
WP-4: structure and dynamics of supersaturated solutions
This project aims to push XSVS as a novel X-ray scattering technique for dynamics of Blue Materials. There is synergy with other BlueMat cross-area imaging projects and close coordination and collaboration are anticipated within the Excellence Cluster.
The tasks for this position are therefore:
- Participate in commissioning experiments of the upgraded X-ray split-delay line (SDL) at MID
- Participate in research projects associated with measuring dynamics using the x-ray speckle visibility spectroscopy (XSVS) technique provided by the SDL and the linac
- Working together with BlueMat partners and interdisciplinary teams
- Complete and defend doctoral thesis
Requirements
- Master degree in physics or a related science field
- Interest in data analysis and hands-on work with advanced instrumentation
- Flair for experimental work
- Interest and ability to work and collaborate in an international setting (command of English is required)
- Experience with programming and data analysis in python is an advantage
- Knowledge of condensed matter physics, optics, and X-ray science are assets
For additional information, please contact Dr. Anders Madsen (
[email protected]).
Working place will be Schenefeld, in the Hamburg metropolitan area. General information on working in Germany, the Hamburg area and the European XFEL can be found on our
Career Page.
Our offer
Become part of a vibrant international and multi-cultural team of scientists, engineers, technical and administrative staff. Be involved in cutting edge scientific and technical progress and participate in our international networks. Experience our atmosphere of tolerance and respect.
Salary and benefits are similar to those of public service organizations in Germany, this includes for example:
- family friendly working environment (e.g. additional childcare days)
- flexible working times and option for work from home depending on tasks
- 30 days of vacation, 24th and 31st of December are free as a courtesy of the employer
- extensive relocation benefits
- generous company pension scheme (6,45% of monthly salary)
- monthly social events and subsidized company restaurant
- partially financed job-tickets for public transportation
- extensive training opportunities incl. subsidized English and German language classes
- Easy and free access to a mental health platform to support your wellbeing
Our company language is English.
Application
Please provide your CV and a motivation letter in English as well as any reference letters.
The European XFEL GmbH is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and we promote and support diverse and heterogenous teams. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference over other equally qualified applicants.
Application Deadline: 30/06/2026
