Postdoc (f/m/d) Development of a Ferroelectric Fast-Reactive Tuner (FE-FRT) for RF Cavities

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH (HZB); Berlin; Hybrid; EUR 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours and remote work

30 days vacation plus TVöD Bund salary

Relocation support from non-EU

German and English courses

Deutschlandticket Job subsidies

Job summary

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH (HZB) seeks a Postdoc (f/m/d) to develop ferroelectric fast-reactive tuners (FE-FRT) for 800-MHz SRF cavities, focusing on rapid microphonics compensation and integration into large-scale demonstrators.

You will design, simulate and bench-test FE-FRTs, collaborate internationally, and contribute to accelerator projects PERLE ERL and FCC-ee, with English communication.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in physics, electrical engineering or related discipline.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience with FE-FRT cavity tuners is essential.
• A minimum of 2 years of superconducting RF related experience is essential.
• A minimum 5 years of experience with RF systems and their tests is essential.
• Extensive experience with RF simulation techniques.
• Experience in mechanical design is desirable.
• Willingness to participate and coordinate international collaborations, and to travel.
• Very strong communication skills in English (C1 level).
• Project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Simulation, design and construction of fast ferroelectric tuners (FE-FRTs) for 800-MHz superconducting RF cavities to rapidly compensate microphonics.
• Study the integration of FE-FRTs in the PERLE ERL Demonstrator and FCC-ee accelerators.
• Bench testing of FE-FRTs and demonstration of their efficacy with SRF cavities in the HZB HoBiCaT test facility.

Skills

RF simulation techniques

Very strong English communication

Project management

Willingness to travel/international</n

Education

Doctoral degree in physics or electrical engineering

Tools

FE-FRT tuners experience

Job description

Postdoc (f/m/d) Development of a Ferroelectric Fast-Reactive Tuner (FE-FRT) for RF Cavities

Reference No.: BE 2026/3

The Institute for Science and Technology of Accelerating Systems focuses on the development of new accelerating systems, primarily those based on CW superconducting RF technology. Our goal is to dramatically improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of future SRF-based accelerators. One focus area is the improvement of the RF efficiency of accelerators by developing new RF sources and reducing the RF power demand of cavities. For both aspects, ferro-electric fast reactive tuners play an enabling role. Furthermore, the institute also pursues a vigorous fundamental research program to improve the RF performance of niobium and new superconductors suitable for SRF cavities to significantly reduce their cryogenic load.

Your Tasks

• Simulation, design and construction of fast ferroelectric tuners (FE-FRTs) for 800-MHz superconducting RF cavities to rapidly compensate microphonics
• Study the integration of FE-FRTs in the PERLE ERL Demonstrator and FCC-ee accelerators
• Bench testing of FE-FRTs and demonstration of their efficacy with SRF cavities in the HZB HoBiCaT test facility

Your Profile

• Doctoral degree in physics, electrical engineering or related discipline
• A minimum of 2 years of experience with FE-FRT cavity tuners is essential
• A minimum of 2 years of superconducting RF related experience is essential
• A minimum 5 years of experience with RF systems and their tests is essential
• Extensive experience with RF simulation techniques
• Experience in mechanical design is desirable
• Willingness to participate and coordinate international collaborations, and to travel
• Very strong communication skills in English (C1 level)
• Project management skills

Your Benefits

At Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, you benefit from state-of-the-art research infrastructure, an international and collaborative working environment, and a wide range of opportunities for your professional development:

• The opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative materials and technological solutions for a climate-neutral future in cooperation with leading international researchers
• Flexible working hours and the possibility to work remotely
• Career-enhancing networking opportunities, individual guidance, and support through our Graduate Center and Postdoc Office
• 30 days of vacation per year and attractive remuneration according to the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD Bund), plus company pension plan
• Advisory services on family and career matters through our Office for Work & Life
• Subsidy for the public transport “Deutschlandticket Job” and exclusive employee discounts
• Relocation support from non-EU countries
• German and English courses for all proficiency levels

Fixed term contract for 24 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).

We very much want our workplace to be diverse, and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds. It is our mission to promote equal opportunities and to improve women’s representation in the workforce. We are therefore very interested in receiving applications from women. Where the qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities.

CONTACT

Herr Axel Neumann