Postdoctoral Researcher for XFELO (f/m/d)

European XFEL; Deutschland; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation benefits

Hybrid working options

30 days paid vacation

Pension scheme

Public transportation subsidy

Company restaurant

Job summary

European XFEL seeks a highly qualified postdoc to advance the XFELO demonstrator and jointly design tunable XFELO components. You will lead experiments, analyze results, and contribute to publications while collaborating with internal and external user groups.

The role requires a PhD in Physics or related field completed by start date, strong data analysis and programming skills, and excellent English communication within an international team.

Qualifications

• PhD completed by the start date.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and publish high-quality research.
• Strong hands-on experience with FELs, X-ray optics or beamline instrumentation.
• Excellent English written and spoken communication.

Responsibilities

• Further develop, optimize, and operate the XFELO demonstrator setup.
• Contribute to the conceptual design of a tunable XFELO device.
• Plan, prepare, and execute XFELO-related experiments.
• Analyze data, document results, and contribute to reports and publications.
• Support workshops and meetings on XFELO science and development.

Skills

Scientific programming

Data analysis

English communication

Education

PhD in Physics or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Job description

Organisation/Company European XFEL Department X-Ray Optics Research Field Physics » Optics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 3 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 39 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number S-684 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Position

• Further develop, optimize, and operate the existing XFELO demonstrator setup (hardware, beamline components, and experimental procedures).
• Contribute to the conceptual design of a tunable XFELO device, including performance studies, technical trade-offs, and interface definitions.
• Plan, prepare, and execute XFELO-related experiments - both internal measurements and experiments in collaboration with internal and external user groups.
• Analyze experimental data, document results, and contribute to publications, internal reports, and technical notes.
• Co-organize and support workshops and meetings related to XFELO science, technology, and future development (agenda, speakers, documentation, follow-up actions).
• PhD in Physics, Accelerator/Photon Science, Engineering, or a closely related field (completed by the start date).

Specific Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to conduct and publish high-quality research (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, conference contributions).
• Hands-on experience in at least one of the following areas: free-electron lasers (FELs), optical cavities/oscillators, X-ray optics, accelerator or beam diagnostics, beamline instrumentation, or experimental operation at a large-scale user facility.
• Solid understanding of X-ray optics and fundamentals of FEL and accelerator physics relevant to XFELO operation.
• Strong data analysis and scientific programming skills (e.g., Python; MATLAB and/or C/C++ are an advantage).
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken) and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary, international team.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Additional Information

Become part of a vibrant international and multi-cultural team of scientists, engineers, technical and administrative staff. Be involved in cutting edge scientific and technical progress and participate in our international networks. Experience our atmosphere of tolerance and respect.

Work-life balance & flexibility

• A family-friendly working environment (e.g. additional childcare days)
• Flexible working hours and options to work from home (depending on your role and tasks)
• 30 days of paid vacation, plus December 24th and 31st off (granted by the employer)

Compensation & long-term security

• Transparent compensation aligned with public service organizations in Germany
• min. PG 13/1 with 4,901.70€ - max. PG 13/6 with7,025.87€, the actual level is defined by the individual work experience, here is the link to the current valid tariff table
• In addition, a scientific allowance is granted
• Depending on the pay group, we offer an annual special payment of 75-95% of one month’s salary.
• Partially funded public transportation Deutschlandticket
• Generous company pension scheme (6.45% of your monthly salary)

Support from day one

• Extensive relocation benefits to help you settle in smoothly
• English as company language, enabling easy collaboration in our international environment
• Extensive training opportunities, including subsidized English and German language courses
• Subsidized sports membership with access to over 7,000 sport clubs
• Monthly social events and company restaurant with employee discounts
• Free access to a professional mental health support platform

Selection process

The European XFEL GmbH is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and we promote and support diverse and heterogenous teams. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference over other equally qualified applicants.