Beamline/Instrument Scientist (f/m/d) for IRIS Beamline

Reference No.: PS 2024/13

The Institute of Electronic Structure Dynamics develops spectroscopic methods for real-time and site-specific investigations of physico-chemical processes. For vibrational spectroscopic investigations of solids, liquids and gases as well as their interfaces, the institute operates, in addition to an infrared laboratory, the IRIS beamline for mid- to far-infrared/THz spectroscopy at the electron storage ring BESSY II. This is equipped with instruments for applications that require diffraction-limited spatial resolution, such as the investigation of small areas of heterogeneous samples, thin films or layers, single cells or complex biological systems. These stations benefit from a high brilliance of synchrotron radiation in the mid-infrared range as well as high flux in the far IR, especially in the „low alpha“ mode of the storage ring, where coherent synchrotron radiation enables experiments in the THz range down to a few wavenumbers.

Furthermore, an infrared near-field microscope operated at the beamline enables spectroscopic investigations with a spatial resolution of a few tens of nanometres. Finally, a single-shot time-resolved spectrometer allows spectral recording of the kinetics of non-repeatable processes or processes with slow return dynamics in the microsecond range. As a scientist in our team, you will use our unique experimental capabilities both for your own research work within the scientific priorities of Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and to make these capabilities available to external users of the beamline. Together with the external users, you will prepare their experiments and provide support during the measurement period. A further part of your tasks will be the continuous development of the beamline, its instrumentation, and experimental techniques, for which you can rely on the support of the technical support groups of HZB.

Are you interested in supporting our team in the above-mentioned tasks? Then we look forward to receiving your application.

Your Tasks

• Carrying out your own research work within the research priorities of HZB, as well as collaborations with other research groups at HZB
• Operation, maintenance and further development of the BESSY II infrared beamline and its end stations
• Maintenance and extension of the existing sample environments in the infrared laboratory
• Coordination and supervision of user experiments at the infrared beamline
• Presentation of results at research conferences and in peer-reviewed journals

Your Profile

• Completed academic university degree (master’s/university diploma) and doctorate in physics, chemistry, biology or a related field
• Experience in the field of infrared spectroscopy, in particular infrared micro- and nanospectroscopy, as well as in the processing, analysis and interpretation of spectroscopic infrared data
• Experience in the design, implementation, commissioning, and operation of optical devices and experimental setups for the mid to far infrared range
• At least two years of practical experience in operating end stations at an accelerator-based infrared light source
• Experience with laboratory management and operation of medium-power UV-VIS-IR lasers (pulsed and CW)
• Experience in planning and conducting third-party funded projects and coordinating projects with external institutions is desirable, as well as knowledge of technical drawing, programming and scripting
• Ability to work in a team and a high degree of personal responsibility
• Excellent English and German language skills (corresponding to B2 or higher)

Your Benefits

• Opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative materials and technological solutions for a climate-neutral future in cooperation with leading international researchers
• Commitment to diversity and sustainability through an inclusive working environment, promotion of diversity sensitivity and implementation of sustainable and climate-neutral methods
• Career-enhancing networking opportunities and individual mentoring and support from the HZB Graduate Centre and HZB Postdoc Office
• Attractive remuneration through payment according to the German public service’s wage agreement (TVöD Bund)
• 30 days holiday/year
• Extensive additional benefits, such as company pension plan (VBL), subsidy for public transport (Deutschlandticket Job) and company sports programmes
• Good work-life balance through counselling services on family and career and flexible working time models: Flexitime, part-time, hybrid working
• And a team that is looking forward to meeting you!

Fixed term contract for 24 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).

How to apply

The position is initially limited to 2 years, with the option of extension and permanency. We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 29.12.2024. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by other means (such as email or mail) in the application process.

We very much want our workplace to be diverse, and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds. It is our mission to promote equal opportunities and to improve women’s representation in the workforce. We are therefore very interested in receiving applications from women. Where the qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities.

For German version, please click on the following link: German Version.

Climate change poses serious challenges to the whole world. At Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, we are researching materials for a climate-neutral future. 1200 employees from all over the world are working together at HZB towards this goal. Join us, and help us achieve it!

#J-18808-Ljbffr