For our location in Hamburg we are seeking:
Remuneration Group 13 | Limited: 2 years with the possibility of a 1-year extension | Start: 01.04.2026 | ID: FHPO006/2025 | Deadline: 23.01.2026 | 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.
The DESY particle physics division has recently launched a platform for scientific computing that fosters collaboration on topics in software and computing methods that are important for the research groups at DESY. One such topic is the design and creation of FAIR data management structures and tools for on-site experiments (among other, ALPS II, BabyIAXO, FlashForward, MADMAX, LUXE, DESY II Test Beam Facility) and also for future collider studies (FCCee/ ILC/ MuCol).
The R&D should be carried out using tools that are already widely in use in the international community. Deployment of the ILDG (meta)data and file catalogue management software for one of the FH on-site experminent such as the ALPS II, the combination of this solution with DIRAC and RUCIO, its extension to the other experiment and the possible interoperability with other on-site (meta)data catalogue solutions shall be tackled. The work will be strongly connected to the work on FAIR research and data management done within the PUNCH4NFDI consortium.
While the main focus concerns the adaption and development of the software used to process and distribute the data produced by on-site experiments, the applicant will also have the opportunity to participate in the R&D activities of one of these experiment (mostly ALPS II, BabyIAXO, FlashForward, MADMAX, or DESY II Test Beam Facility).
The exact scope of this work will be determined taking into account the candidate’s experiences and preferences.
- Deployment of the ILDG (meta)data and file catalogue for one of the FH on-site experminent such as the ALPS II experiment
- Based on this, design of a FAIR data management strategy for the LUXE experiment, the BabyIAXO and MADMAX experiments, and the DESY II Test Beam Facility and FLASHForward facilities
- Increasing the usability of FAIRdata management solutions for the above-mentioned experiments, such as user interface, embedding into compute platforms, etc.
- Setting up relevant services for large scale production, metadata catalogues and file transfer in close collaboration with the IT division
- Exploration of synergies and working towards standardised, interoperable metadata and file catalogue solution at DESY, with particular regard to SciCat and embedding in existing data analysis environments
- Carrying out research projects in the context of one of the above-mentioned experiments
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 years with the possibility of a 1-year extension
- Ph.D. in particle physics, computer science or a related field
- Experience with large-scale data management using grid or cloud technologies
- Experience in one of the on-site experiment would be an asset
- Familiarity with the FAIR principles and metadata
- Knowledge of the design of web applications, and/or token-based authentication and authorization methods would be an asset (but is not strictly required)
- Programming and scripting skills (Java, shell, python) would be an asset
- Very good knowledge of the English language, spoken and written
For further information please contact Louis Helary (louis.helary@desy.de) or Sven Karstensen (sven.karstensen@desy.de).
Please submit your complete application documents (letter of motivation and research interests, CV, list of publications, relevant certificates and three letters of references). 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: 24.01.2026