Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY

Diamond Light Source Ltd; Hamburg; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

DESY in Hamburg invites applications for a highly motivated scientist to develop an energy compression beamline for the PETRA IV plasma injector. You will contribute to the plasma injector development and collaborate with DESY groups, suppliers and labs to test x-band hardware.

Requires PhD in physics with a focus on accelerator physics, deep RF knowledge, and hands-on accelerator experience. Excellent English and teamwork are expected in a secure, research-rich environment with opportunities

Qualifications

• Completed university studies in physics (PhD) with a focus on accelerator physics or a comparable qualification.
• Track record in accelerator physics and deep knowledge in RF technology, preferably x-band.
• Experience with simulation codes, such as Elegant, to model the beam dynamics.
• Hands-on experience building accelerators.
• Experience with driving a difficult research project is desirable.
• Experience with plasma acceleration is a bonus.
• Excellent English and strong teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of the plasma injector.
• Review the concept and design of the current x-band based dechirper.
• Work with other DESY groups, suppliers, and other labs to obtain and test x-band hardware.
• Perform a feasibility study; revise the design if necessary or suggest different RF technology basis.
• Build a prototype energy compressor for GeV class LPA electron beams.

Skills

Accelerator physics

RF technology

Beam dynamics

Simulation software

English

Education

PhD in physics

Tools

Elegant

Job description

Limited: 2 years | Starting date: earliest possible | ID: MMA048/2026 | Deadline: 15.10.2026 | 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 scientist to develop an energy compression beamline for the future PETRA IV plasma injector. More information about PETRA IV: PETRA IV

About your role:

• Contribute to the development of the plasma injector
• Review the concept and design of the current x-band based dechirper
• Work with other DESY groups, suppliers, and other labs to obtain and test x-band hardware
• Perform a feasibility study; revise the design if necessary or suggest different RF technology basis
• Build a prototype energy compressor for GeV class LPA electron beams

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.

About you:

• Completed university studies in physics (PhD) with a focus on accelerator physics or a comparable qualification
• Track record in accelerator physics and deep knowledge in RF technology, preferably x-band
• Experience with simulation codes, such as elegant, to model the beam dynamics
• Hands-on experience building accelerators
• Experience with driving a difficult research project is desirable
• Experience with plasma acceleration is a bonus
• Excellent English and strong teamwork skills

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 Human Resources Department | Notkestraße 85 | 22607 Hamburg Phone: [phone]‑3392