PhD position: Attosecond X-ray interferometry Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY

Diamond Light Source Ltd; Hamburg; On-site; EUR 29,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

DESY in Hamburg invites applications for a PhD position in Attosecond X-ray interferometry. You will develop and test an attosecond X-ray interferometer and contribute to ultra-fast measurements of materials and molecules.

The project is a collaboration between Hamburg and Trento, offering access to XFEL facilities and published outputs. Master in physics or related field with strong Python skills and good English is required.

Qualifications

• Master in physics, applied physics or a related field.
• Strong programming skills (Python).
• Good verbal and written English communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test a novel X-ray interferometer.
• Develop and test low-aberration multilayer Laue lens (MLL) systems for XFELs.
• Develop new interferometric methodologies using lab sources, synchrotrons and XFELs.
• Conduct scientific experiments at various X-ray facilities.
• Communicate findings via publications and presentations.

Skills

Python

English proficiency

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master in physics or related field

Job description

For our location in Hamburg we are seeking:

PhD position: Attosecond X-ray interferometry

Limited: 2 + 1 years | Starting date: earliest possible | ID: FSDO020/2026 | Deadline: 26.11.2026 | 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.

The Advanced Multilayer X-ray Optics group at CFEL is one of the leading research groups developing novel X-ray lenses and gratings with nanometre control. As part of a collaborative project between Hamburg and Trento we plan to combine these elements with attosecond-duration X-ray laser pulses to image, understand and ultimately control electron dynamics in molecular systems. We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to develop an attosecond X-ray interferometer to measure ultrafast responses of materials and molecules and to help create movies of electron dynamics for the first time.

About your role:

• Develop and test a novel X-ray interferometer
• Develop and test low-aberration multilayer Laue lens (MLL) systems for XFELs
• Develop new interferometric methodologies using lab sources, synchrotrons and XFELs
• Conduct scientific experiments at various X-ray facilities
• Communicate findings via publications and presentations

Good reasons to join:

Look forward to a unique working environment on our international research campus. Respectful cooperation and the well-being of our staff are central to us, with gender equality forming a key part of this commitment. 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.

About you:

• Master in physics, applied physics or a related field
• Strong interest in X-ray optics, imaging, instrumentation and interferometric methods
• Expertise in analytical, quantitative, instrumentation or computational methods is expected
• Good programming skills (Python)
• Good verbal and written English communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

For further information please contact Dr. Saša Bajt at [phone] ([e-mail]).

DESY in Hamburg does not grant doctoral degrees directly but collaborates with the University of Hamburg. Candidates for thesis research will have to satisfy the terms of admission for doctoral theses of the University of Hamburg. PhD students receive a monthly salary of 67% of the payment of the remuneration group 13 TVöD (Federal Government).

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