PhD student – Microstructural Dynamics of Fusion Targets – 29,25 hours/week European XFEL

Lightsources; Hamburg; Hybrid; EUR 55,000 - 59,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours (29.25 h/week)

Home office options (depending on role

Relocation benefits

English as company language

Extensive training opportunities

Company pension scheme

Subsidized language courses

Job summary

European XFEL GmbH is seeking a PhD student in the EXPLODE group to develop X-ray imaging diagnostics for laser-driven fusion targets. The role includes data analysis, target fabrication, and collaboration across facilities, with an expected doctoral thesis outcome.

The position is funded for up to three years and requires a Master's degree in a related field, with strong interest in high energy-density physics and X-ray methods. Relocation support and international collaboration are offered.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Physics, Materials science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics or a closely related field.
• Experience with scientific programming and data analysis, preferably in Python or a similar language.
• Motivation to gain practical experience in laboratory work, target fabrication, microscopy, and large-scale experimental facilities.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to development and application of X-ray imaging methods for laser-driven fusion targets.
• Analyze experimental data and establish robust, well-documented workflows for evaluating X-ray imaging measurements.
• Support preparation, fabrication and characterisation of nanostructured targets for experiments.
• Assist with planning, preparation and execution of experiments at European XFEL and other facilities, including beamtime applications.
• Collaborate with colleagues and external partners on experiments, simulations, data analysis and interpretation.
• Present results through internal reports, conferences and a doctoral thesis.

Skills

Python

Data analysis

Scientific programming

Laboratory work

Communication of results

Education

Master's degree in Physics, Materials science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics or closely related field

Job description

European XFEL is an international non-profit company located in the Hamburg area in Germany. It operates a 3.4 km-long X-ray laser, which produces X-rays of unique quality for studies in physics, chemistry, the life sciences, materials research and other disciplines. The diverse scientific facilities at European XFEL enable scientists from across the globe to carry out a wide range of experimental techniques.

For our EXPLODE group we are looking for a

PhD student – Microstructural Dynamics of Fusion Targets (f/m/d) – 29,25hours/week

The Position

This PhD project is funded by the BMFTR as part of the "EXPLODE" (Experimental X-ray Platforms for Optimisation and Diagnosis of inertial fusion Energy) research group and is focused on developing X-ray imaging diagnostics together with the HED‑HiBEF instrument.
The BMFTR Project code is 13F1044for the project "Experimentelle Röntgenplattformen zur Optimierung und Diagnose der Trägheitsfusion" (EXPLODE).

• Contribute to the development and application of X‑ray imaging methods for the investigation of laser-driven, fusion-relevant targets.
• Analyse experimental data and help establish robust, well-documented workflows for the evaluation of X-ray imaging measurements.
• Support the preparation, fabrication and characterisation of nanostructured targets for experiments.
• Assist with the planning, preparation and execution of experiments at European XFEL and other facilities, including beamtime applications.
• Work with colleagues and external collaborators on experimental studies, simulations, data analysis and interpretation.
• Present results through internal reports, conferences and scientific publications, and a doctoral thesis

Requirements

• Masters degree in Physics, Materials science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics or a closely related field.
• Strong interest in X-ray imaging, laser-matter interaction, high energy-density physics or fusion research
• Experience with scientific programming and data analysis, preferably in Python or similar language
• Motivation to gain practical experience in laboratory work, target fabrication, microscopy, and large-scale experimental facilities
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, organise research tasks effectively and communicate scientific results

The following qualification would be beneficial:

• Previous experience with large-scale user facility experiments
• Large scale data analysis/parallel computing
• Familiarity with x-ray diagnostics (imaging, diffraction, scattering techniques)
• Practical experience with laboratory work: microscopy, materials characterisation or nanostructured materials

For additional information, please contact Oliver Humphries ([e-mail]).

Working place will be Schenefeld, in the Hamburg metropolitan area. General information on working in Germany, the Hamburg area and the European XFEL can be found under www.xfel.eu/careers.

Our offer

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)
• The position is offered in part-time, with 29.25 hours a week

Compensation & long-term security

• Transparent compensation aligned with public service organizations in Germany
• Salary: min. 13/1 with 4,901.11 € – max 13/2 with 5,279.32 € (values for full time will be adjusted according to the part-time model); the actual level is defined by the individual work experience, 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

Learning, wellbeing & community

• 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

Reference number: S-681

Duration: Initially limited to 3 years, an extension is possible.

Application

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.