Experimental Scientist (f/m/d)

Meyandy LLC; Darmstadt; Vor Ort; EUR 90.000 - 130.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Focused Energy, a pioneering international deep-tech company delivering laser-driven fusion energy, seeks an experienced experimentalist and simulation expert to join the foam compression program at ELI Beamlines. You will own the execution of laser experiments, operate diagnostics, and drive radiation hydrodynamics simulations to support physics interpretation and project reporting.

You will analyze data, compare simulations with measurements, and collaborate with the Target Design and

Qualifikationen

• Experience with laser compression experiments in high-energy-density physics or inertial confinement fusion.
• Knowledge of hydrodynamic instabilities (Rayleigh–Taylor, Richtmyer–Meshkov).
• Experience operating shock and compression diagnostics (VISAR, SOP, X-ray radiography).
• Experience with radiation hydrodynamics modelling using FLASH or similar codes.
• Strong data analysis with Python or similar tooling.
• Experience with HPC simulation workflows and computational pipelines.

Aufgaben

• Own execution of laser compression experiments at ELI Beamlines and external facilities.
• Lead operation of VISAR, SOP, and X-ray radiography diagnostics and develop reliable procedures.
• Drive radiation hydrodynamic simulations for foam compression and instabilities.
• Analyze experimental data and document results for physics interpretation and reporting.
• Compare simulations with experimental data, noting agreements and uncertainties.
• Collaborate with the Target Design and Simulation teams on planning and validation.
• Build expertise and share reliable procedures to support the team growth.

Kenntnisse

laser compression experiments

hydrodynamic instabilities

VISAR

SOP

X-ray radiography

radiation hydrodynamics

Python

HPC workflows

experimental design

shot planning

FLASH

Tools

FLASH

Jobbeschreibung

About Focused Energy

Focused Energy is a pioneering international deep-tech company with locations in Germany and the US, dedicated to commercializing laser-driven nuclear fusion. Our mission is to deliver clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy to the world. As we rapidly scale, we seek talented individuals who thrive on bringing clarity and structure to fast-growing environments.

What You’ll Do

• Own the execution of laser compression experiments at ELI Beamlines and other external facilities, including shot planning, diagnostic setup, and data collection.
• Lead the operation of VISAR, SOP, and X-ray radiography diagnostics, building reliable procedures and deep diagnostic expertise within the foam compression team.
• Drive radiation hydrodynamic simulations of foam compression and hydrodynamic instabilities using a multi-dimensional code such as FLASH or an equivalent.
• Analyse experimental data comprehensively and document results in a form that supports physics interpretation and project reporting.
• Compare simulation results with experimental data, clearly identifying areas of agreement, discrepancy, and uncertainty.
• Build productive working relationships with ELI Beamlines and other facility partners to support beamtime access and campaign execution.
• Improve the team’s understanding of foam compression and hydrodynamic instability physics by connecting experimental observations with simulation predictions.
• Partner with Franzi Treffert, the Target Design team, and the simulation team on experimental planning, physics interpretation, and model validation.

Who You Are

You take ownership of your experimental and simulation workstream and manage day-to-day priorities without waiting for direction. You are comfortable working independently in technically demanding, multidisciplinary environments. You communicate experimental results, simulation findings, risks, and data‑quality issues clearly in writing and team meetings. You plan carefully and follow through across the full experiment cycle, from beamtime preparation through data analysis and reporting. You use sound judgement when configuring diagnostics, selecting analysis approaches, and setting simulation parameters. You recognise when a decision involves project priorities, experimental scope, or resource conflicts and escalates it appropriately. You collaborate effectively with internal science teams and external laser‑facility partners. You are keen to build expertise, share reliable procedures, and support more junior contributors as the team grows.

Desirable Skills & Knowledge

• Experience with laser compression experiments in high‑energy‑density physics, inertial confinement fusion, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of hydrodynamic instabilities, including Rayleigh–Taylor and Richtmyer–Meshkov instabilities.
• Practical experience operating shock and compression diagnostics such as VISAR, SOP, and X-ray radiography.
• Experience with radiation hydrodynamic modelling using FLASH or an equivalent multi‑dimensional simulation code.
• Strong data analysis skills using Python or a comparable scientific computing language.
• Experience with HPC simulation workflows and computational experiment pipelines.
• Familiarity with experimental design and shot planning for laser facilities.