Postdoc in FEL Physics Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY

Diamond Light Source Ltd; Hamburg; Hybrid; EUR 48,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

DESY in Hamburg invites applications for a Postdoc in FEL Physics to advance coherent radiation studies and develop non-invasive electron-beam diagnostics using machine-learning approaches. You will work within the FLASH facility, focusing on externally seeded FLASH1 FEL branches and integration into the diagnostics infrastructure.

We seek a PhD holder with strong background in FEL physics, experience with ML applications to x-ray sources, and proficiency in Python/Matlab.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in FEL physics, accelerator physics, or related field.
• Strong background in physics of coherent electromagnetic radiation.
• Experience with machine-learning techniques and their application to partially or fully coherent x-ray sources.
• Motivation to develop diagnostic methods for photon pulses.
• Experience with benchmarking theory against modeled or experimental data at light-source facilities and numerical FEL/accelerator simulations.
• Proficiency in Python/ Matlab.
• Good command of English and teamwork in an international environment.

Responsibilities

• Investigate coherent properties of undulator and FEL radiation.
• Develop ML-based methods to characterize FEL radiation and infer electron-beam properties.
• Enhance photon diagnostic capabilities, including ultrashort pulses.
• Integrate developed methods into FLASH diagnostic infrastructure for non-invasive beam diagnostics.
• Support FLASH operation and participate in experiments.
• Present results in journals and conferences.

Skills

Coherent radiation physics

Machine learning

Python/ Matlab

International teamwork

Education

PhD or equivalent in FEL physics

Tools

GENESIS

Elegant

Job description

For our location in Hamburg we are seeking:

Postdoc in FEL Physics

Limited: 2 years | Starting date: earliest possible | ID: MPO006/2026 | Deadline: 15.10.2026 | Full-time/Part‑time | Remote work possible

DESY, with more than 2900 employees 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.

FLASH is DESY’s (and the world’s first) free-electron laser user facility. Within the FLASH2020+ project, the multi-beamline FEL facility FLASH has upgraded its primary arm, FLASH1, to accommodate the first externally seeded beamline, with a 1 MHz repetition rate in burst mode. We also adapt the diagnostics on both the photon and electron beam sides to match this goal. Stability is a key factor. A stable seeded source opens the door to many new experiments. Through the ErUM-Data and LEAPS-funded proposals, we develop resource-efficient and reliable Al and machine learning methods to advance ML for photon science applications while keeping large-scale research more sustainable. We are looking for a motivated postdoc to join the team and take an essential role in advancing the capabilities of FLASH with a focus on the externally seeded FLASH1 FEL branch.

About your role:

• Investigation of the coherent properties of undulator and FEL radiation with particular emphasis on transverse and spatial coherence
• Development of machine-learning-based methods to characterize (coherent) FEL radiation and deduce electron-beam properties using non-invasive single-shot photon diagnostics
• Enhance photon diagnostic capabilities, e.g. with respect to performance on ultrashort pulses
• Integration of the developed methods into the existing FLASH diagnostic infrastructure with the aim of providing non-invasive electron-beam diagnostics and supporting beam matching and optimization
• Support of FLASH operation and participation in dedicated experiments when appropriate
• Presentation of the achieved results in scientific journals and at international conferences

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, job-sharing models and participation in mobile work (up to 50%). 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.

About you:

• PhD or equivalent, preferably with expertise in FEL physics, accelerator physics, or related field(s)
• Strong background in physics of coherent electromagnetic radiation
• Experience with machine-learning techniques and their application to partially or fully coherent x-ray sources
• Motivation to develop diagnostic methods, concepts, or instruments for the characterization of photon pulses
• Experience with Benchmarking theory against modeled or experimental data at light-source facilities as well as experience with numerical simulations using FEL and accelerator simulation tools (e.g. GENESIS, Elegant, or equivalent) are advantageous
• Good command of high-level scripting languages (Python/Matlab) is essential
• Good command of English
• Excellent teamwork abilities in an international environment

For further information, please contact Dr. Pardis Niknejadi at [phone]‑5074 ([e-mail]).

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).

You can find further information here:
https://www.desy.de/career/

Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
Human Resources Department | Notkestraße 85 | 22607 Hamburg
Phone: [phone]‑3392