Physicist, Computer Scientist or similar (f/m/x) - Muon tomography with artificial muon sources

German Aerospace Center (DLR); Bremerhaven; Sur place; EUR 50 000 - 70 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) – Institute for the Protection of Maritime Infrastructure in Bremerhaven is seeking a motivated researcher to advance next‑generation muon imaging technologies. You will help develop simulation and reconstruction methods and collaborate on European projects with international partners.

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s or PhD in physics or engineering, with experience in data analysis, Monte Carlo modelling (Geant4), and strong Python/C++ programming.

Qualifications

• Completed degree in a natural science or engineering field (physics or related).
• Experience in experimental physics from collaborations or international projects.
• Experience in data analysis and Monte Carlo modelling for particle physics datasets.
• Strong programming skills in Python and/or C/C++.
• Good communication skills and track record of publications.

Responsabilités

• Develop innovative muon tomography methods using artificial muon sources.
• Perform simulations and data analysis to evaluate imaging concepts.
• Develop image reconstruction, material characterization and AI-based data analysis methods.
• Plan and conduct experimental validation campaigns with an interdisciplinary team.
• Contribute to scientific publications and international collaboration.

Connaissances

Python

C/C++

Data analysis

English proficiency

Communication skills

Publications experience

Formation

Master's or PhD in physics or engineering

Outils

Geant4

Monte Carlo methods

Description du poste

At the Institute for the Protection of Maritime Infrastructure in Bremerhaven, we research and develop innovative solutions to strengthen the resilience of maritime infrastructure and ensure it is adaptable, safe and sustainable. Working closely with partners from research, industry and other stakeholders in maritime security, we combine technological innovation with practical expertise and offer you the chance to work on pioneering projects.

What To Expect

We develop innovative sensing and imaging technologies to address challenges in the protection and security of critical infrastructures. One of our key research areas is muon tomography, a non-destructive imaging technique that uses elementary particles to investigate dense, shielded and difficult-to-access objects.

We are now exploring the use of artificial muon sources based on laser-plasma accelerators, which offer the potential to significantly reduce measurement times, improve imaging performance and open up new applications beyond conventional cosmic-ray muon tomography. This emerging field brings together particle physics, accelerator technology, computational modelling and advanced image reconstruction.

We are looking for a motivated researcher to join our interdisciplinary team and contribute to the development of these next‑generation muon imaging technologies. The position offers the opportunity to work on challenging scientific questions, develop and validate new simulation and reconstruction methods, and collaborate with international research partners on experimental campaigns and innovative European research projects.

Your tasks

• Develop innovative methods for muon tomography using artificial muon sources based on laser-plasma accelerators.
• Perform computational modelling, Monte Carlo simulations and scientific data analysis to investigate and evaluate novel imaging concepts.
• Develop and optimise image reconstruction, material characterisation and AI‑based data analysis methods for accelerator‑based muon tomography.
• Plan, conduct and evaluate experimental validation campaigns in close collaboration with an interdisciplinary research team and international project partners.
• Contribute to the advancement of muon imaging technologies through scientific publications, conference presentations and international collaboration.
• Support the preparation of national and European research proposals and contribute to the development of new research activities.

Your profile

• A completed academic degree (university diploma or Master’s degree) in a natural science subject (e.g. physics) or an engineering discipline (e.g. computer science), or other degree programmes relevant to the role
• Experience in experimental physics gained through involvement in a research collaboration or a multinational research project
• Experience in data analysis, Monte Carlo modelling (for example, in Geant4) and handling experimental data from particle physics
• Very good programming skills in Python and/or C/C++
• Very good communication skills
• Experience in authoring scientific publications and presenting results
• Fluency in spoken and written English

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 5833) please contact:

Sarah Barnes

Tel.: [phone]

Maurice Stephan

Tel.: [phone]