For our location in Hamburg we are seeking:
Remuneration Group 13 | Limited: 2+1 years | Starting date: earliest possible | ID: FSDO001/2026 | Deadline: 19.02.2026 | Full-time/Part-time
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.
Join the Cluster of Excellence “BlueMat: Water-Driven Materials” (www.tuhh.de/bluemat) and contribute to one of Europe’s most exciting research initiatives. Collaborate with a dynamic, interdisciplinary team that combines science, sustainability, and technology to create a better future. Help shape the next generation of sustainable materials inspired by nature’s most powerful resource: water.
In the Complex Liquids team at DESY we are looking for a for a RESEARCH ASSOCIATE to conduct research within project CA Imaging as part of the BlueMat Cluster of Excellence.
In the PhD project the candidate will develop X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) further for applications within BlueMat. The recent improvements of detector technology and the ongoing upgrade of synchrotron radiation sources (such as the transition to PETRA IV) will boost the XPCS technique towards molecular time scales. This project will therefore apply XPCS to several cases in BlueMat and support the development of MHz and ultrafast XPCS at European XFEL.
- Application of storage-ring and FEL-based X-ray scattering methods to BlueMat topics (such as role of confined geometries on structure and dynamics on liquids)
- In particular, planning, performance and analysis of XPCS experiments at PETRA III, European XFEL and other international synchrotron radiation and FEL light sources
- Contribution on further developing coherent X-ray scattering methods at 4th generation storage rings and European XFEL
- Close collaboration with BlueMat partners at DESY, TU Hamburg, U Hamburg, and European XFEL
- Support of the group's experimental activities
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.
Limited: 2+1 years
- Master’s degree in Physics, Chemistry, Nanoscience, or a related field
- Hands-on experimental skills in laboratory work
- Curiosity and teamwork skills for working in interdisciplinary teams
- Very good English required (at least B2/C1 level according to CEFR)
- Experience with X-ray scattering experiments or large-scale data analysis is a plus
For further information please contact Dr. Felix Lehmkühler at +49 8998-5671 (felix.lehmkuehler@desy.de).
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 via our application portal:
Apply now
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
Personalabteilung
Notkestraße 85
22607 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 8998-3392
Deadline for applications: 20.02.2026
