PhD student - Laser and X-ray spectroscopy on water and aqueous solutions

For our location in Hamburg we are seeking:

PhD student - Laser and X-ray spectroscopy on water and aqueous solutions

Remuneration Group 13 | Limited: 2+1 years | Starting date: earliest possible | ID: FSDO002/2026 | Deadline: 19.02.2026

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.

Join the Cluster of Excellence “BlueMat: Water-Driven Materials” ( and contribute to one of Europe’s most exciting research initiatives. Collaborate with a dynamic, interdisciplinary team that combines science, sustainability, and technology to create a better future. Help shape the next generation of sustainable materials inspired by nature’s most powerful resource: water.

In the Complex Liquids team at DESY we are looking for a RESEARCH ASSOCIATE to conduct research within project Area D: Energy Materials as part of the BlueMat Cluster of Excellence.

In the PhD project the candidate will explore the fundamental molecular properties and phase behaviour of water and aqueous solutions of varying concentrations. Within this project you will develop and optimize a confocal Raman spectroscopy platform capable of measuring liquid samples across a wide temperature range, including supercooled states, including water in membranes/nanoporous media for applications within BlueMat. Additionally evaporatively cooled liquid jet experiments will be employed to study supercooled micrometer sized droplets, potentially combined with synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction for structural insights.

About your role:

• Optimization of a confocal Raman microscope for liquid samples and nanoporous materials
• Systematic Raman measurements of water and aqueous solutions and possibly membranes/nanoporous systems across a range of temperatures, including supercooled states
• Planning and performance of experiments combining Raman with X-ray scattering/diffraction (XPCS, imaging) for structural and dynamical studies
• Process, model, and interpret vibrational and structural data to reveal molecular dynamics and phase transitions
• Present results in publications, conferences, and BlueMat workshops, and engage in interdisciplinary training
• Close collaboration with BlueMat partners at DESY, TU Hamburg, U Hamburg, and European XFEL
• Support of the group's experimental activities at international synchrotron radiation and FEL light sources

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.

Limited: 2+1 years

About you:

• Master’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, Nanoscience, or a related field
• Hands-on experimental skills in laboratory work
• Curiosity and teamwork skills for working in interdisciplinary teams
• Very good English required (at least B2/C1 level according to CEFR)
• Experience with laser spectroscopy, liquid jet experiments in vacuum, X-ray diffraction, or large-scale data analysis is a plus

For further information please contact Dr. Claudia Goy at +49 8998-1918 ([email protected]).

DESY in Hamburg does not grant doctoral degrees directly but collaborates with the University of Hamburg. Candidates for thesis research will have to satisfy the terms of admission for doctoral theses of the University of Hamburg. PhD students receive a monthly salary of 67% of the payment of the remuneration group 13 TVöD (Federal Government).

Please submit your complete application documents (letter of motivation, CV, relevant certificates and two letters of references) via our application portal. 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:

Apply now

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
Personalabteilung
Notkestraße 85
22607 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 8998-3392

Deadline for applications: 20.02.2026