Postdoc (w/m/d) for X-Ray Ptychography at BESSY II

Postdoc (w/m/d) for X-Ray Ptychography at BESSY II

Reference No.: CE 2026/13 At HZB, we conduct research on materials and energy for a climate-neutral future.

Our team operates the two scanning transmission X-ray microscopes (STXM) MAXYMUS and MYSTIIC at the electron storage ring BESSY II, where researchers from all over the world study materials with the highest spatial and temporal resolution.

With ptychography – a computational imaging technique that overcomes the resolution limits of conventional X-ray optics – we are taking our microscopes to the next level.

You can expect an international team and the opportunity to take the lead in establishing a cutting-edge measurement method at a large-scale research facility and to use it for your own research on magnetic nanosystems.

• Your Tasks
• You will set up and commission a ptychography solution for the two STXM instruments MAXYMUS and MYSTIIC at BESSY II, using state-of-the-art X-ray detectors and advanced reconstruction methods.
• You will develop software for experiment control, data acquisition and data analysis, and automate measurement procedures including remote operation of the experiments.
• You will optimise ptychographic detection and reconstruction methods, collaborating with external companies on adapting the detector systems.
• You will plan, carry out and analyse experiments together with internal and external user groups and train users in operating the microscopes.
• You will investigate magnetic nanosystems using soft X-ray ptychography and tomography, and present and publish your results at international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.

Your Profile

• Completed Ph D in physics, electrical engineering, materials science or an equivalent field of research
• Experience in ptychography and/or scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) and in computational phase reconstruction (ptychography/tomography), including the use of HPC clusters
• Programming skills in data processing and hardware control (e. g. Python, Labview, Matlab, C++)
• Project management experience: setting goals, prioritising tasks, and meeting deadlines and budgets
• English language skills at C1 level or higher, written and spoken
• Ideally, experience with optical, cryogenic and ultra-high-vacuum systems and in collaborating in international project teams

Your Benefits At Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, you will benefit from a collaborative international environment, state-of-the-art research facilities, and a wide range of benefits to support your scientific career:

• The opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative materials and technological solutions for a climate-neutral future in cooperation with leading international researchers
• Flexible working hours and the possibility to work remotely
• Career-enhancing networking opportunities, individual guidance, and support through our Graduate Center and Postdoc Office
• 30 days of vacation per year and attractive remuneration according to the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD Bund), plus company pension plan
• Advisory services on family and career matters through our Office for Work & Life
• Subsidy for the public transport “Deutschlandticket Job” and exclusive employee discounts
• Relocation support from non-EU countries
• German and English courses for all proficiency levels

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

• CONTACT Dr. Sebastian Wintz
• #J-18808-Ljbffr