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

About this position

Work group

MPL

Area of research

Scientific / postdoctoral posts

Starting date

18.09.2026

Job description

• 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.
• We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal: Apply now 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.

How to apply

1. Read the full advert on the source site — it carries the authoritative terms.
2. Email the contact below with your CV and a short, specific message. See Emailing Professors.
3. Prepare your SOP, CV, transcripts and referees before the deadline.
4. Apply through the university's own portal. Never pay a fee to a third party.