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For our location in Hamburg we are seeking:

Research Associate for the ERC Project "KEBAB"

Remuneration Group 13 | Limited: 2 years | Starting date: 01.07.2026 or later | ID: FSPO005/2026 | Deadline: open until the position is filled | 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.

A Research Associate (postdoctoral researcher) position is currently open in the DESY Attosecond Science Group within the Center for Free Electron Laser Science (CFEL) in Hamburg. The position will focus on the development of a novel chiroptical platform for the study of molecular recognition dynamics in the gas phase and is funded under the ERC grant KEBAB led by Dr. Vincent Wanie. The contract has an initial duration of 2 years with a possibility of extension.

About your role:

• Design and implementation of laser-based studies of ultrafast processes in chiral matter, with emphasis on chiroptical observables
• Development of few-femtosecond light sources, including a high-repetition-rate VUV (<200 nm) source with variable polarisation
• Operation, commissioning, and maintenance of advanced experimental instrumentation, including ultrafast laser systems and vacuum-based detection setups
• Development and integration of novel measurement techniques, including charged-particle detection schemes for photoelectron circular dichroism (PECD)
• Acquisition, processing, and analysis of experimental data, supported by numerical modeling and literature-driven contextualisation
• Preparation of scientific publications and technical reports
• Active participation in international conferences and workshops, including presentation of research results
• Execution of experimental campaigns at large-scale facilities (e.g., synchrotrons and free-electron lasers), including preparation and on-site coordination
• Contribution to the strategic development of the ERC project, including identification of new experimental directions and collaborations
• Engagement with international collaborators, including coordination of joint experimental campaigns and integration of complementary theoretical and experimental approaches

About you:

• PhD in physics or a closely related field
• Ability to independently design and implement experimental approaches while working effectively within an interdisciplinary team
• Proven experience in nonlinear optics
• Hands-on experience with one or more of the following: hollow-core fibers, optical parametric amplifiers, high-power femtosecond laser systems
• Experience with ultra-high vacuum technologies, molecular sources, and charged-particle detection (electrons/ions)
• Background in molecular spectroscopy and experience in the analysis of electron and/or ion data
• Strong interest in instrumentation development
• Excellent track record of scientific publications, demonstrating strong scientific writing skills
• Excellent knowledge of English

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 and variable part-time. 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 Vincent Wanie at +49 40 8998-3127 or vincent.wanie@desy.de.

Please submit your complete application documents (letter of motivation and research interests, CV, list of publications, relevant certificates and two 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:

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:
https://www.desy.de/career/

Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
Personalabteilung
Notkestraße 85
22607 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 8998-3392