PhD student (f/m/d) for ultrafast dynamics studies - part-time (29,25 hrs/week)

European XFEL; Deutschland; Presencial; EUR 37 000 - 45 000; Tempo parcial

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

Family-friendly environment

Flexible working hours

Relocation assistance

Company restaurant

Resumo da oferta

European XFEL is seeking a PhD researcher to study ultrafast dynamics using X-ray speckle visibility spectroscopy (XSVS) and twin-pulse methods. The PhD will be embedded in the MID team, connecting with BlueMat partners to explore diffusion and nanoscale dynamics in water and supersaturated solutions.

The project emphasizes international collaboration, hands-on instrumentation, and contributing to cutting-edge X-ray science at a leading European facility.

Qualificações

• Master degree in physics or a related science field.
• Interest in data analysis and hands-on work with advanced instrumentation.
• Flair for experimental work.
• Interest and ability to work and collaborate in an international setting (command of English is required).
• Experience with programming and data analysis in Python is an advantage.
• Knowledge of condensed matter physics, optics, and X-ray science are assets.

Responsabilidades

• Participate in commissioning experiments of the upgraded X-ray split-delay line (SDL) at MID.
• Participate in research projects associated with measuring dynamics using the X-ray speckle visibility spectroscopy (XSVS) technique provided by the SDL and the linac.
• Work with BlueMat partners and interdisciplinary teams.
• Complete and defend doctoral thesis.
• Support from day one with relocation and integration into an international environment.

Conhecimentos

English proficiency

Python programming

Data analysis

Experimental work

International collaboration

Formação académica

Master's degree in physics or related field

Ferramentas

X-ray instrumentation

Scientific DL/SDL setup

Descrição da oferta de emprego

Organisation/Company European XFEL Department MID Research Field Physics » Condensed matter properties Physics » Optics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 22 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Part-time Hours Per Week 29,25 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number S-687 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

X-ray speckle visibility spectroscopy (XSVS) extends X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (XPCS) to the study of ultrafast dynamics (fs-ns range) beyond current XPCS limitations. One XSVS method is to generate pulse pairs (twin pulses) separated by a specific and tuneable time delay t. Recording radiation scattered from a sample illuminated by twin pulses allows to determine whether the sample is static or there are structural changes happening over t. XSVS is based on an analysis of the speckle contrast originating from illumination of the sample by a coherent X-ray beam.
XFELs are ideal sources to generate such ultrashort pulse pairs and we will explore two methods: 1) using a crystal-based split-and-delay line (SDL) and 2) generating the twin-pulses using the linac, beyond the 4.5 MHz rate available today as a standard. Nanosecond dynamics of nanometre sized objects in aqueous solutions will be targeted to demonstrate the uniqueness of the method. Applications to nanoparticle diffusion, complex fluids, and supersaturated solutions are foreseen.
The project is partially funded by the Cluster of Excellence “BlueMat: Water-Driven Materials” which is a new research initiatives managed by the Technical University of Hamburg-Harburg (TUHH, AG Prof. Dr. Patrick Huber) and where EuXFEL is a collaborator. The successful candidate will integrate into the MID team at EuXFEL but will also connect with BlueMat partners and interdisciplinary teams that combine science, sustainability, and technology.
The PhD project is organized over workpackages:
WP-1: exploration of twin pulses created by the accelerator.
WP-2: exploration of twin pulses created by the SDL
WP-3: benchmarking experiment based on diffusion of nanoparticles in water
WP-4: structure and dynamics of supersaturated solutions

The tasks for this position are therefore:

• Participate in commissioning experiments of the upgraded X-ray split-delay line (SDL) at MID
• Participate in research projects associated with measuring dynamics using the xray speckle visibility spectroscopy (XSVS) technique provided by the SDL and the linac
• Working together with BlueMat partners and interdisciplinary teams
• Complete and defend doctoral thesis
  This project aims to push XSVS as a novel X-ray scattering technique for dynamics of Blue Materials. There is synergy with other BlueMat cross-area imaging projects and close coordination and collaboration are anticipated within the Excellence Cluster.
• Master degree in physics or a related science field
• Interest in data analysis and hands-on work with advanced instrumentation
• Flair for experimental work
• Interest and ability to work and collaborate in an international setting (command of English is required)
• Experience with programming and data analysis in python is an advantage
• Knowledge of condensed matter physics, optics, and X-ray science are assets

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

Become part of a vibrant international and multi-cultural team of scientists, engineers, technical and administrative staff. Be involved in cutting edge scientific and technical progress and participate in our international networks. Experience our atmosphere of tolerance and respect.
Work-life balance & flexibility

• A family-friendly working environment (e.g. additional childcare days)
• Flexible working hours and options to work from home (depending on your role and tasks)
• 30 days of paid vacation, plus December 24th and 31st off (granted by the employer)

Compensation & long-term security

• Transparent compensation aligned with public service organizations in Germany
• PG 13/1 with 3,676.28€ (75% position), here is the link to the current valid tariff table
• Depending on the pay group, we offer an annual special payment of 75-95% of one month’s salary.
• Partially funded public transportation Deutschlandticket
• Generous company pension scheme (6.45% of your monthly salary)

Support from day one

• Extensive relocation benefits to help you settle in smoothly
• English as company language, enabling easy collaboration in our international environment
• Extensive training opportunities, including subsidized English and German language courses
• Subsidized sports membership with access to over 7,000 sport clubs
• Monthly social events and company restaurant with employee discounts
• Free access to a professional mental health support platform

Eligibility criteria

The European XFEL GmbH is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and we promote and support diverse and heterogenous teams. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference over other equally qualified applicants.