Scientist

Dt Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY Personalabteilung; Hamburg; Remote; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Mobile work up to 50%

Job-sharing models

Training and development

Occupational pension

Job summary

DESY, located in Hamburg, seeks a Scientist in the theory group for X-ray science. The role involves supervising theoretical and computational projects, developing open-source simulation tools, and exploring industry applications of the results.

You will work with the FS-CFEL-XM group codes and contribute to large-scale scientific computing. The position offers flexible working arrangements, with TV-AVH remuneration and opportunities for academic career development, including supervision of PhD

Qualifications

• PhD in theoretical physics focusing on interaction of ultrashort laser pulses with solid matter.
• Expertise in modelling X-ray-free-electron-laser-induced transient modifications in materials out of equilibrium using FS-CFEL-XM group codes.
• Experience with large-scale scientific computing, code optimization, and scientific programming.
• Interest in technology development and potential industrial applications of modelling concepts and simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Supervision of theoretical and computational projects within ultrafast X-ray science.
• Exploration of potential applications of project results for industry (technology transfer).
• Maintenance and development of open-source simulation tools to model X-ray-induced transitions in solid materials.
• Code optimisation to enable efficient computations and the open-source release of the tools to the user community.
• Supervision of PhD students.

Skills

PhD in theoretical physics

Scientific computing

Code optimization

Open-source development

Education

PhD in theoretical physics

Tools

FS-CFEL-XM codes suite

Scientific programming tools

Open-source simulation tools

Job description

For our location in Hamburg we are seeking: Scientist

Remuneration Group 13 | Limited: 3 years (Tenure Track) | Starting date: 01.01.2027 | ID: FSMA053/2026 | Deadline: 30.10.2026 | 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.

The research activity of the DESY theory group "X-ray Irradiated Materials: Theory and Computation" (FS-CFEL-XM) encompasses computational studies of X-ray irradiated materials and nanoparticles relevant for the areas of materials science, diffractive imaging, plasma, and warm dense matter physics investigated with XFEL and synchrotron light sources, with the focus on possible technology development and potential industrial applications. The group is integrated into the Center of Free-Electron Laser Science CFEL, and collaborates with various experimental and theory groups on the DESY campus and at the European XFEL, as well as with various national and international research partners.

About your role:

• Supervision of theoretical and computational projects within the field of ultrafast X-ray science
• Exploration of the potential applications of project results for industry (technology transfer)
• Maintenance and development of open-source simulation tools to model various X-ray-induced transitions in solid materials
• Code optimisation to enable efficient computations, as well as the open-source release of the simulation tools to user community
• Supervision of PhD students

About you:

Proven excellent expertise in:

• PhD in theoretical physics with focus on interaction of ultrashort laser pulses with solid matter
• Proven excellent expertise in: (I) modelling X-ray-free-electron-laser-induced transient modifications materials out of equilibrium using the FS-CFEL-XM group codes suite (https://xm.cfel.de/research/scientific_software/) (II) large-scale scientific computing, (III) code optimization, and (IV) scientific programming, demonstrated through a respective publication record and extensive code development experience
• Interest in focusing on possible technology development and potential industrial applications of the developed modelling concepts and simulation tools
• Good knowledge of English and strong interpersonal skills
• The ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment
• The ability to work closely with experimental groups

Good reasons to join:

Look forward to a unique working environment on our international research campus. Respectful cooperation and the well-being of our staff are central to us, with gender equality forming a key part of this commitment. 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.

Equal opportunities:

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).

For further information please contact Beata Ziaja-Motyka ([e-mail]).

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

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