Senior Scientist (f/m/d)X-ray microscopy and coherent imaging techniques for the life sciences [...]

Overview

The Institute for Photon Science and Synchrotron Radiation (IPS) at KIT operates the HIKA experimental station at DESY in Hamburg, located at the P23.2 beamline of the PETRA III synchrotron storage ring.

In the first expansion phase of PETRA IV, HIKA will be developed into Beamline PB32 for Hierarchical X-ray Imaging and Serial Tomography.

By combining various X-ray microscopy and coherent imaging techniques with tomography, laminography, and state-of-the-art robotics, it enables both groundbreaking and systematic research in the material and life sciences.

Responsibilities

• You contribute to ensuring efficient operation and to the continuous further development of the instrumental and methodological capabilities of HIKA.
• You develop and optimize state-of-the-art concepts for hierarchical imaging and serial tomography using synchrotron radiation.
• You are responsible for the budget for investments in beamline components.
• You support collaboration and user groups in carrying out experiments and in data analysis.
• You contribute to long-term research projects and to scientific publications.
• You work in interdisciplinary teams at KIT and DESY.

Qualifications

• Doctorate (Ph D) in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related discipline.
• Several years of experience in experimental work at beamlines of synchrotron facilities.
• Comprehensive understanding of beamline instrumentation and X-ray imaging techniques.
• Experience in at least one of the following areas: X-ray microscopy, phase-contrast imaging, or tomography.
• Experience in project management.
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.
• High motivation to contribute to collaborative research and to drive innovation in imaging techniques and applications.
• We offer
• Engage with topics of societal relevance—in an excellent scientific environment that enables change.
• Flexible working hours, remote-work options, and a 30-day annual leave entitlement to achieve an optimal work-life balance.
• Structured onboarding program, continuing-education options, and personalised support to foster individual growth.
• The KIT‑Family+ program assists in reconciling work and family life (childcare services, holiday activities, parent-child office space, and care for relatives).
• Stay healthy through fitness classes, mental-health programmes, and preventive health examinations.
• Individualised extra benefits: corporate pension (VBL), €25 monthly contribution toward a Job Ticket BW, and a broad selection of cultural and recreational programmes.
• Job location: Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen (and Karlsruhe), Hamburg.
• Salary: Salary category 14 TV-L; classification is based on personal and professional qualifications.
• Contract duration: 5 years.
• Contact
• Prof. Dr. Baumbach tilo. baumbach@kit. edu
• If you have general questions about the application process, please contact
• Sylvia Kaiser
• Personalservice (PSE) sylvia. kaiser@kit. edu
• +49 721 608-22438

At KIT we value the diversity of our employees; different perspectives and backgrounds enrich our work.

We therefore welcome applications from all candidates.

Women are especially encouraged to apply.

Applications from recognized severely disabled individuals are given preferential consideration when qualifications are equal.

• Application up to: 2026-07-19
• Job posting number: 279/2026
• #J-18808-Ljbffr