Postdoc Positions in Attosecond Pulse Generation at EuXFEL

For our location in Hamburg we are seeking:

Postdoc Positions in Attosecond Pulse Generation at EuXFEL

Remuneration Group 13 | Limited: 3 years | Starting date: 04.01.2027 | ID: MPO007/2026 | Deadline: 30.11.2026 | 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 European XFEL is one of the world's leading free-electron laser facilities and provides intense X-ray pulses with durations down to the attosecond regime. A dedicated strategy program has been established to further develop and exploit these ultrashort pulses, including through recruitment of new expertise. The positions focus on advancing existing techniques for short-pulse generation in terms of power, pulse duration and stability and both the hard and soft x-rays. Key areas of research include:

• Independent control of transverse and longitudinal dispersion
• Development of advanced pulse-shaping techniques
• Advancing the use of existing longitudinal diagnostics for short-pulse characterization

About your role:

These positions combine scientific R&D with hands-on machine development and operation, providing the opportunity to take new FEL concepts from simulation through experimental validation to routine operation.

• Conduct simulations and eventual experiments towards short pulse production at the EuXFEL
• Actively support other attosecond generation activities
• Communicate results and insights through presentations, reports and publications
• Encouraged to develop and pursue their own ideas
• Contribute to the reliable daily operation of the facility as an operator

About you:

• PhD in physics or related field with a background in accelerator or FEL physics
• Experience with relevant FEL simulation codes
• Good communication skills and a collaborative approach to working in an interdisciplinary team
• Good command of English, German is beneficial
• Experience in attosecond pulse generation
• Practical experience in the FEL field
• Experience in cathode shaping, fresh-slice or laser beam modulation

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.

For further information please contact Marc Guetg
( [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, 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 ).

You can find further information here:

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