Postdoctoral researcher for X-ray microscopy at atomic resolution

Desy; Hamburg; Hybrid; EUR 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

DESY in Hamburg invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher in X-ray microscopy at atomic resolution. You will join the Advanced Multilayer X-ray Optics group at CFEL, preparing experiments at major X-ray facilities and developing techniques to push imaging to atomic scales.

The role requires a PhD in physics or related field, strong Python skills, and experience with synchrotron/XFEL work. Excellent communication in English and collaboration across teams are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, applied physics or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of Fourier optics, X-ray physics, and metrology.
• Experience with experimental methods or instrumentation development.
• Experience with synchrotron and XFEL experiments is advantageous.
• Strong programming skills in Python.
• Proficient in English and scientific writing.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and conduct scientific experiments at X-ray facilities (synchrotrons and XFELs).
• Develop and apply techniques to characterize and improve X-ray lenses (MLLs) and gratings.
• Extend and improve X-ray imaging modalities towards atomic resolution.
• Explore feasibility of MLLs for various experiments and broader use at lab, synchrotron and XFEL sources.
• Communicate findings via publications and presentations.

Skills

Fourier optics knowledge

X-ray physics

Metrology

Python programming

English writing

Communication skills

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

PhD in physics or related field

Job description

For our location in Hamburgwe are seeking:

Postdoctoral researcher for X-ray microscopy at atomic resolution

Limited: 2 years | Starting date: earliest possible | ID: FSPO009/2026 | Deadline: 20.10.2026 | 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.

The Advanced Multilayer X-ray Optics group at CFEL is one of the leading research groups developing novel X-ray lenses, also known as multilayer Laue lenses (MLLs). We plan to further improve and extend MLLs as part of a large project to image, understand and ultimately control electron dynamics in molecular systems. To do this, we are combining concepts from X-ray microscopy, crystallography, and ultrafast X-ray science. Here is an opportunity for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to be part of our team and this exciting project.

About your role:

• Prepare and conduct scientific experiments at various X-ray facilities (synchrotrons and XFELs)
• Develop and apply techniques to characterize and improve X-ray lenses (MLLs) and gratings
• Extend and improve X-ray imaging modalities towards atomic resolution
• Explore feasibility of MLLs for various experiments and for their increased use at lab, synchrotron and XFEL sources
• Communicate findings via publications and presentations

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.

About you:

• PhD in physics, applied physics or a related field
• Sound knowledge of Fourier optics, X-ray physics, and metrology
• Experience in experimental methods or development of instrumentation
• Experience with synchrotron and XFEL experiments is an advantage
• Good programming skills, especially in Python
• Proficient in English and in writing scientific articles
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• High self-motivation and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team

For further information please contact Dr. Saša Bajt at [phone] ([e-mail]).

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).

https://www.desy.de/career/apprenticeship/

Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY Personalabteilung Notkestraße 85 22607 Hamburg Phone: [phone]