Accelerator Scientist with Expertise in X-Band Technology and Energy Compression for PETRA IV

Organisation/Company Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY Research Field Physics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Application Deadline 15 Oct 2026 - 22:00 (UTC) Country Germany Type of Contract To be defined Job Status Other Offer Starting Date 18 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

MPL

Area of research:

Scientific / postdoctoral posts

18.09.2026

DESY

DESY expands its research on novel laser-plasma accelerators (LPAs) for future applications in health, photon science, and particle physics. At the core of these activities is the development of a plasma-based injector for the synchrotron light source PETRA IV. In this context, we are searching for a highly-motivated scientist to develop an energy compression beamline for the future PETRA IV plasma injector. More information about PETRA IV: PETRA IV

About your role:

• Contribute to the development of the plasma injector
• Review the concept and design of the current x-band based dechirper
• Work with other DESY groups, suppliers, and other labs to obtain and test x-band hardware
• Perform a feasibility study; revise the design if necessary or suggest different RF technology basis
• Build a prototype energy compressor for GeV class LPA electron beams

About you:

• Completed university studies in physics (PhD) with a focus on accelerator physics or a comparable qualification
• Track record in accelerator physics and deep knowledge in RF technology, preferably x-band
• Experience with simulation codes, such es elegant, to model the beam dynamics
• Hands-on experience building accelerators
• Experience with driving a difficult research project is desirable
• Experience with plasma acceleration is a bonus
• Excellent English and strong teamwork skills

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.

DESY promotes the professional development of women and therefore strongly encourages women to apply for the position to be filled. In addition, severely handicapped persons with equal aptitude are given preferential consideration. The advertised positions are basically suitable for part-time employment.
You can find further information here: www.desy.de/career/
Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
Personalabteilung | Notkestraße 85 | 22607 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 8998-3392

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.