Laser Scientist for the Integration of Laser-Plasma Accelerators for PETRA IV

For our location in Hamburg we are seeking:

Laser Scientist for the Integration of Laser-Plasma Accelerators into Synchrotron Storage Rings for PETRA IV

Limited: 2 years with the option of permanent employment | Start: 01.10.2026 | ID: MMA041/2026 | Deadline: 15.08.2026 | 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.

DESY expands its research on novel laser-plasma accelerators (LPAs) for future applications in health, photon science, and practicle physics. At the core of these activities is the development of plasma-based injector for the synchrotron light source PETRA IV. In this context, we are searching for a highly-motivated laser scientist to lead the integration of the high-energy LPA drive laser into the PETRA IV plasma injector, with a special focus on timing and synchronization of the laser to the PETRA IV synchrotron storage ring.

With the PETRA IV project, DESY is launching one of the most ambitious and innovative large-scale research projects worldwide. PETRA IV, the most brilliant synchrotron radiation source of the next generation, will be the ultimate 4D X-ray microscope, setting new standards in precision and performance. To implement the project, we are looking for motivated employees who want to get involved in a complex project with international appeal. More information about PETRA IV: PETRA IV

About your role:

• Contribute to the development of the PETRA IV plasma injector
• Develop, implement, operate and improve timing concepts to deploy a laser-plasma accelerator into a synchrotron storage ring facility, to enable filling and top-up of the ring with complex bunch patterns
• Develop, implement, operate and improve timing concepts to synchronize all sub-systems of the LPA drive laser, and adopt them to different laser architectures, e.g. Ti:Sapphire, ND:Glas, Yb:YAG and other architectures
• Adopt and integrate seed-lasers to the LPA drive laser front
• Operate and diagnose the LPA timing system and join LPA operation

bout you:

• Completed university studies in (laser)physics with a PhD or a comparable qualification
• Track record developing white-light OPCPA seed lasers for a LPA drive laser and its synchronisation to RF-based accelerators
• Track record and proven own contributions developing advanced schemes to integrate LPA drive lasers into an RF-based accelerator, in particular synchrotron storage rings, and enabling advanced operation modes (filling, top-up)
• Track record in developing timing and synchronization concepts for Joule-class LPA drive lasers
• Experience in LPA experiments, LPA-based synchrotron injectors, active energy compression, and LPA-driven undulator radiation is a bonus
• Experience with 2xtimer systems is a bonus

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 Andreas Maier at +49 40 8998-6687, andreas.maier@desy.de.

Please submit your complete application documents (letter of motivation, CV and relevant certificates).

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