Postdoctoral Researcher Accelerator Physics (Physiker/in)
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 the most powerful X-ray Free Electron laser in the world. The accelerator complex, including the 1.5 km long superconducting accelerator, is operated and further developed by an interdisciplinary team at DESY under the coordination of the group MXL. The facility is presently developing a vision for a substantial upgrade, that should enlarge the capacity and capabilities of the FEL. One part of the upgrade is the increase of number of radiators, which requires the design of a beam quality preserving switchyard and beam transport. We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher, who is willing to support this design activities and shape the future of the European XFEL.
About your role:
- Beam optics design for the distribution of electrons to various radiators
- Calculation of collective effects from external and internal fields, and further optimisation of the design
- Start-to-end simulations to verify results
- Participation in day-to-day operational tasks
About you:
- PhD in accelerator physics or equivalent field
- Strong background in beam dynamics and FEL physics
- Experience with accelerator simulation tools (e.g. Ocelot, Elegant, Genesis, ASTRA)
- Experience in accelerator operation
- Good communication and team working skills
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 our location in Hamburg we are seeking: Postdoctoral Researcher Accelerator Physics Limited: 2 years | Start: 01.11.2026 | ID: MPO005/2026 | Deadline: 10.07.2026 | Full-time/Part-time
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) (https://sbv.desy.de/) . You can find further information here: https:// (https://www.desy.de/career/) www.desy.de/ (https://www.desy.de/career/) career/ (https://www.desy.de/career/)