Lead Laser-Plasma Accelerator Engineer / Scientist

NXT Talent Studio; Hamburg; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee equity stake

Visa and relocation support

30 days paid vacation

6-month probation period

Job summary

NXT Talent Studio, Hamburg-based, seeks a leader to drive the implementation and operation of laser-plasma wakefield accelerators (LPA) from specification to continuous optimization. You will work hands-on, building a world-class team of physicists, engineers, and technicians in a cutting-edge start-up environment.

You will manage vacuum and cryogenic systems, develop reliable metrics, and collaborate with top research institutions and beamlines while advancing accelerator applications in muon

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics or related STEM field.
• 3–5 years post-doc experience; 10+ total years with LPAs/high-power lasers.
• Hands-on operation, commissioning, and leadership of LPA facilities at user facilities (DESY, CERN, ELI Beamlines, EPAC, ATLAS, etc.).
• Leadership and talent development experience.
• Knowledge of vacuum/cryo systems, control and diagnostics hardware/software, and Ti:Sa lasers.
• German or Estonian language skills are a plus; fluent English for international work.
• Willingness to work on-site in Hamburg.

Responsibilities

• Independent commissioning, control, and operation of LPA accelerators and high-power Ti:Sapphire lasers.
• Translate complex physics into concrete metrics, specs, and market-ready architectures.
• Build and expand a high-performing team of physicists, engineers, and technicians; leadership.
• Manage and integrate vacuum and cryogenic systems and related hardware/software.
• Collaborate with world-leading research institutions and beamlines (e.g., DESY PRIMA).

Skills

LPA operation

Team leadership

Autonomous decision-making

Fluent English

Education

Physics PhD

Tools

Vacuum systems

Cryogenic systems

Diagnostics hardware

Ti:Sapphire lasers

Control software

Job description

Shape the Future of Accelerator Technology in an Innovative Deep-Tech Start-up

Are you passionate about the physics of laser-plasma accelerators, possess a strong hands-on mindset, and want to apply your expertise not just in theory, but in practical applications and building future technologies? On behalf of a highly innovative deep-tech start-up in the field of muon imaging in the heart of Hamburg, we are seeking reinforcement. Here, you will encounter the scientific excellence of leading research institutions paired with the dynamism, creative freedom, and agility of a pioneering company.

In this position, you will take responsibility for the core of the technology: You will lead the implementation and operation of laser-plasma wakefield accelerators (LPA) from initial specification to continuous optimization in live operation. Our client develops groundbreaking technologies in muon imaging and offers you the opportunity to play a key role in building and leading your own expert team.

Your Tasks

• Independent commissioning, control, and operation of laser-plasma wakefield accelerators (LPA) as well as high-power Ti:Sapphire laser systems.
• Translating complex physics fundamentals into concrete, reliable metrics, specifications, and market-ready application architectures.
• Building and expanding a high-performing expert team of physicists, engineers, and technicians, including technical and organizational leadership.
• Management and integration of vacuum and cryogenic systems as well as associated control, measurement, and diagnostics hardware/software.
• Representing the company and collaborating with world-leading research institutions, as well as utilizing top-tier beamlines (e.g., DESY PRIMA).

Your Profile

• Completed degree or PhD in Physics or a closely related STEM field.
• Minimum 3-5 years post-doc experience (ideally 10+ total years working with LPAs and high-power lasers).
• Proven hands-on experience in the operation, commissioning, and experimental leadership of LPA facilities at renowned user facilities (e.g., DESY, CERN, ELI Beamlines, EPAC, ATLAS, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience in team leadership, talent development, and autonomous decision-making.
• Sound knowledge of vacuum and cryogenic systems, control and diagnostics hardware/software, and high-power Ti:Sa lasers.
• German or Estonian language skills as nice-to-have, as well as fluent English for working in an international environment.
• Results-oriented mindset (focus on uptime and deliverables), comfort with fast iteration cycles, and willingness to work on-site in Hamburg.

What You Are Offered

• Competitive base salary and meaningful employee equity stake program for real ownership of a key future technology.
• Creative freedom and responsibility from day one in building novel accelerator applications.
• Access to leading beamlines (e.g., DESY PRIMA) and collaboration with top partners from research and industry.
• Comprehensive visa and relocation support for non-EU hires moving to Hamburg.
• Permanent full-time employment contract, 30 days of paid vacation per year, and a 6-month probation period.

Ready for the next step in Hamburg?

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

We and our client believe in the power of diversity and foster an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome all applications - regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation and identity. Your qualifications and passion are what matter to us.