Postdoctoral Laser Scientist

Limited: 3 years | Starting date: earliest possible | ID: FSPO008/2026 | Deadline: open | 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.

“SP007 - Enabling science for 24-30 keV"

Join us in a key role to push the boundaries of science at the European XFEL. We are seeking a motivated researcher to work on a significant initiative that will enhance our accelerator's performance and enable a new class of experiments. You will play a central part in the design and commissioning of a next-generation laser beam shaping system, making a direct and valuable impact on the capabilities of a world-leading research facility.

About your role:

• Design, implement, and commission a software-controlled automated telescope system for dynamic adjustment of the laser beam size
• Develop and implement a robust numerical metric, derived from camera images, to objectively quantify laser beam quality with respect to use in photocathodes and characterize deviations from the ideal profile
• Investigate and implement apodized beam shaping techniques (e.g., using graded filters) to minimize diffraction artifacts and improve beam transportability
• Develop an intelligent, AI/Reinforcement Learning-based system to automatically align the beam transport by adjusting steering mirrors based on camera feedback
• Investigate the feasibility and trade-offs of relocating the beam shaping setup closer to the photocathode
• Collaborate closely with the DESY-MXL group and other beamline scientists on defining requirements and validating results
• Document all developed systems, commission hardware and software, and ensure knowledge transfer for routine operation

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 and variable part-time. 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 Physics, Optics, Laser Science, or a closely related engineering field
• Demonstrated experience with laser systems, optical setups, and beam transport and characterization
• Experience with the automation of experimental systems, including hardware control (e.g., motorized mirrors, cameras) and software integration
• Strong programming skills, preferably in Python, for data analysis, simulation, and instrument control
• Proven ability to work independently on a complex technical project, from conceptual design to implementation and commissioning
• Knowledge of machine learning or reinforcement learning applied to control systems is a strong asset
• Experience with accelerator technology, specifically photocathodes is an asset
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, international scientific team

For further information please contact Ingmar Hartl at +49 40 8998-2863 (ingmar.hartl@desy.de).

Please submit your complete application documents (letter of motivation and research interests, CV, list of publications, relevant certificates and three letters of references).

We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal:

DESY promotes equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion. We therefore welcome applications from people of all dimensions of 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 and those with equivalent status will be given preference if they are equally qualified (sbv.desy.de).

You can find further information here:

https://www.desy.de/career/apprenticeship/

Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY

Personalabteilung

Notkestraße 85

22607 Hamburg

Phone: +49 40 8998-3392

Deadline for applications: 30.09.2027