Postdoctoral Laser Scientist

Karlstad University; Hamburg; Vor Ort; EUR 60.000 - 85.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

DESY in Hamburg is seeking a Postdoctoral Laser Scientist to design, implement, and commission a software-driven system for dynamic laser beam control and beam shaping. You will work on automating telescope-like beam adjustments, quantify beam quality via camera-based metrics, and explore apodization techniques to reduce diffraction.

You will collaborate with an international team, develop AI-driven alignment, and document all work for operational transfer.

Qualifikationen

• PhD in Physics, Optics, Laser Science, or closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience with laser systems, optical setups, and beam transport/characterization.
• Experience with automation of experimental systems (hardware control and software integration).
• Strong programming skills, preferably Python, for data analysis and instrument control.
• Knowledge of ML or RL applied to control systems is a strong asset.

Aufgaben

• Design, implement, and commission a software-controlled automated telescope system for dynamic adjustment of the laser beam size.
• Develop a robust numerical metric from camera images to quantify laser beam quality for photocathodes.
• Investigate and implement apodized beam shaping to minimize diffraction and improve transportability.
• Develop an AI/RL-based system to automatically align beam transport via camera feedback.
• Assess feasibility of relocating the beam shaping setup closer to the photocathode.
• Collaborate with DESY-MXL group to define requirements and validate results.
• Document all systems, commission hardware and software, and ensure knowledge transfer for routine operation.

Kenntnisse

PhD in Physics/Optics

Laser systems & beam transport

Automation of experimental systems

Python programming

Machine learning / RL for control

Independent project execution

Communication in international teams

Ausbildung

PhD in Physics or Optics

Tools

Python

Camera systems

Motorized mirrors

Jobbeschreibung

For our location in Hamburg we are seeking:

Postdoctoral Laser Scientist

Limited: 3 years | Starting date: earliest possible | ID: FSPO008/2026 | Deadline: open | Full-time/Part-time

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.

“SP007 – Enabling science for 24 – 30 keV"
Join us in a key role to push the boundaries of science at the European XFEL. We are seeking a motivated researcher to work on a significant initiative that will enhance our accelerator's performance and enable a new class of experiments. You will play a central part in the design and commissioning of a next-generation laser beam shaping system, making a direct and valuable impact on the capabilities of a world-leading research facility.

About your role:

• Design, implement, and commission a software-controlled automated telescope system for dynamic adjustment of the laser beam size
• Develop and implement a robust numerical metric, derived from camera images, to objectively quantify laser beam quality with respect to use in photocathodes and characterize deviations from the ideal profile
• Investigate and implement apodized beam shaping techniques (e.g., using graded filters) to minimize diffraction artifacts and improve beam transportability
• Develop an intelligent, AI/Reinforcement Learning-based system to automatically align the beam transport by adjusting steering mirrors based on camera feedback
• Investigate the feasibility and trade-offs of relocating the beam shaping setup closer to the photocathode
• Collaborate closely with the DESY-MXL group and other beamline scientists on defining requirements and validating results
• Document all developed systems, commission hardware and software, and ensure knowledge transfer for routine operation

About you:

• PhD in Physics, Optics, Laser Science, or a closely related engineering field
• Demonstrated experience with laser systems, optical setups, and beam transport and characterization
• Experience with the automation of experimental systems, including hardware control (e.g., motorized mirrors, cameras) and software integration
• Strong programming skills, preferably in Python, for data analysis, simulation, and instrument control
• Proven ability to work independently on a complex technical project, from conceptual design to implementation and commissioning
• Knowledge of machine learning or reinforcement learning applied to control systems is a strong asset
• Experience with accelerator technology, specifically photocathodes is an asset
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, international scientific team

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 and 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 promotes equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion . We therefore welcome applications from people of all dimensions of 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 and those with equivalent status will be given preference if they are equally qualified ( sbv.desy.de ).

DESY is one of the world’s leading accelerator centres. Researchers use the large-scale facilities at DESY to explore the microcosm in all its vari...