For our location in Hamburg we are seeking:
PhD Position in Laser Plasma Acceleration
Remuneration Group 13 | Limited: 3 years | Starting date: earliest possible | ID: MDO004/2025 | Deadline: 21.07.2025 | Full-time/Part-time | Remote work possible
DESY, with more than 2900 employees at its two locations in Hamburg and Zeuthen, is one of the world's leading research centres. Its research focuses on decoding the structure and function of matter, from the smallest particles of the universe to the building blocks of life. In this way, DESY contributes to solving the major questions and urgent challenges facing science, society and industry. With its ultramodern research infrastructure, its interdisciplinary research platforms and its international networks, DESY offers a highly attractive working environment in the fields of science, technology and administration as well as for the education of highly qualified young scientists.
Laser plasma accelerators are leading a new generation of ultra-compact particle and photon sources owing to their ability to sustain accelerating fields on the scale of hundreds of GV/m — three orders of magnitude higher than radio-frequency accelerators. At DESY, we're committed to exploiting the full potential of this cutting-edge technology and are developing state-of-the-art laser plasma accelerators for a range of demanding research applications, from compact FEL drivers to energy-efficient synchrotron injectors. We're also working to advance plasma accelerator technology for a wide range of medical and industrial applications. We're looking for a PhD candidate to join our vibrant, ambitious, and international team. The successful applicant will work on laser-driven plasma acceleration experiments at DESY, with the role focusing on the development of key technologies for multi-GeV plasma acceleration. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work with a diverse team, with expertise across a broad range of plasma accelerator topics, and to get involved in unique and innovative experiments.
About your role:
- Design and execute experiments at DESY in the field of laser plasma acceleration
- Develop novel plasma source technology for multi-GeV electron acceleration
- Record, analyse and document results for communication through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences and workshops
- Work closely with other members of the plasma accelerator community at DESY and with external collaborators
About you:
- Master’s degree in physics, engineering or similar
- Strong interest in laser plasma acceleration
- Familiarity with a scientific programming language (Python/Matlab/C++ etc.)
- Proficiency in English, both written and spoken
- Ability to work independently and to work as part of a team
Good reasons to join:
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.
For further information please contact Rob Shalloo at +49 40 8998‑4784
([email protected]).
DESY in Hamburg does not grant doctoral degrees directly but collaborates with the University of Hamburg. Candidates for thesis research will have to satisfy the terms of admission for doctoral theses of the University of Hamburg. PhD students receive a monthly salary of 67% of the payment of the remuneration group 13 TVöD (Federal Government).
Please submit your complete application documents (letter of motivation, CV, relevant certificates and two letters of references) via our application portal. Please use our online tool for the submission of the letters of reference: Additional application documents.
We look forward to receiving your application.
DESY promotes equal opportunities and diversity. The professional development of women is very important to us and therefore we strongly encourage women to apply for the vacant position.
Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preference if they are equally qualified (sbv.desy.de).
You can find further information here:
https://www.desy.de/career
Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
Human Resources Department | Notkestraße 85 | 22607 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 8998-3392
