Postdoctoral Researcher in Aerosol & Liquid Jet Dynamics

For our location in Hamburg we are seeking:

Postdoctoral Researcher in Aerosol & Liquid Jet Dynamics

Remuneration Group 13 | Limited: 3 years | Starting date: earliest possible | ID: FSPO006/2026 | Deadline: 17.08.2026 | 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 group "Chemistry in Aerosols, Atmosphere, and Aqueous solutions" (FS-CIA3) works towards a comprehensive, molecular-level understanding of aerosol chemistry and the specific role of water. The group develops applications of advanced spectroscopy and imaging methods based on ultra-brilliant X-rays to investigate the chemistry in aerosol particles and droplets, with a special focus on the role of water in all its forms. DESY’s world-class X-ray source PETRA III and its planned successor PETRA IV as well as the free-electron lasers FLASH and European XFEL make it possible to directly probe the chemistry and structure of individual aerosols with unprecedented spatial resolution. The group’s experimental work is complemented by theoretical and computational model development on scales ranging from molecular dynamics, thermodynamics, aerosol dynamics to atmospheric models, supported by various machine learning strategies.

About your role:

• Carry out scientific research in the fields of aerosol and liquid jet applications, with a focus on experimental investigations and method development.
• Plan, set up, and conduct experiments, including the preparation, operation, and maintenance of specialized equipment for aerosol and liquid jet studies.
• Analyze experimental data and contribute to simulations to interpret results and validate theoretical models.
• Document and publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

About you:

• Completed university-level scientific education plus PhD in physics, chemistry, or materials science, or equivalent (doctorate must be completed before starting the position, but must not be older than 5 years)
• Knowledge of aerosol dynamics and generation
• Practical experience with scientific X-ray methods
• Good experimental skills and a strong interest in instrument development
• Experience with data analysis and simulations, as well as artificial intelligence applications, is an asset
• Experience in designing and setting up small- to medium-size scientific equipment
• Excellent English language skills and ability to work in a 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, 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.

For further information, please contact Lead Scientist Prof. Dr. Nønne Prisle at +49 40 8998‑91803**( [email protected] ).**

Please submit your complete application documents (letter of motivation and research interests, CV, list of publications, relevant certificates and three letters of references). Please use our online tool for the submission of the letters of reference: Additional application documents

We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal:

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:

Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
Human Resources Department | Notkestraße 85 | 22607 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 8998‑3392