PhD student for information field theory and ptychography

DESY; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

An international research center in Germany is seeking a motivated PhD student to apply emerging information field theory to coherent phase contrast imaging techniques. The project involves experimental work at the Petra III Synchrotron facility, aimed at optimizing ptychographic image quality. Candidates should possess a Master's degree in a related field and programming skills. This position offers flexible working hours and is part of a supportive working environment.

Leistungen

Flexible working hours

Health management and occupational pension provision

Training and development opportunities

Family-friendly atmosphere

Qualifikationen

• Willingness to familiarize yourself in depth with new topics.

Aufgaben

• Apply information field theory to evaluate the impact of experimental parameters on ptychography image quality.
• Perform experiments at synchrotron beamlines to validate the results.
• Investigate whether information field theory can be used to quantify the information available in ptychography data.

Kenntnisse

Master's degree in Physics/Mathematics/Computer Science or related subject

Good capacity for mathematics

Experience with programming (e.g. Python, C++, CUDA etc.)

Knowledge of information theory

Ausbildung

Master's degree

Jobbeschreibung

Organisation/Company DESY Research Field Physics Mathematics Computer science Researcher Profile Other Profession Positions PhD Positions Country Germany Application Deadline 27 Nov 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Negotiable Offer Starting Date 5 Nov 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

For our location in Hamburg we are seeking:

PhD student for information field theory and ptychography

Limited: 3 years | Starting date: earliest possible | ID:FSDO017/2025 | Deadline: 27.11.2025 | Full-time/Part-time

DESY, with more than 2900employees 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.

We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate to apply the emerging framework of information field theory to coherent phase contrast imaging, particularly to ptychography at synchrotrons. Ptychography is a super resolution phase retrieval imaging technique capable of resolution down to single digit nanometres. The aim of the project is two-fold. Firstly we wish to leverage the emerging information field theory framework to theoretically evaluate the impact of experimental parameters, such as degree of coherence, photon flux, and probe shape. Secondly, we wish to use the findings to optimize these parameters, and ultimately, improve ptychographic image quality. For the latter part it is important to compare theoretical results with practice. The project will therefore involve several experiments at the P06 beamline at the Petra III Synchrotron facility.

About you:

• Master's degree in Physics/Mathematics/Computer Science or related subject
• Willingness to familiarize yourself in depth with new topics
• Good capacity for mathematics
• Experience with programming (e.g. Python, C++, CUDA etc.)
• Knowledge of information theory

About your role:

• Apply information field theory to evaluate the impact of experimental parameters on ptychography image quality
• Perform experiments at synchrotron beamlines to validate the results
• Investigate whether information field theory can be used to quantify the information available in ptychography data

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. 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.

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).

Please submit your complete application documents (letter of motivation, CV, relevant certificates and two letters of reference) via our application portal. Please use our online tool for the submission of the letters of reference:Additional application documents

We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal:

DESY promotes equal opportunities and 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 will be given preference if they are equally qualified (sbv.desy.de ).