Job Description

Limited: 2 years | Starting date: earliest possible | ID: FSMA039/2025 | Deadline: 09.01.2026 | 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.




The Advanced Multilayer X-ray Optics group at CFEL is one of the leading research groups developing novel X-ray lenses, also known as multilayer Laue lenses (MLLs). Such optics have opened up new opportunities for breaking barriers in focusing, dispersing, and otherwise controlling X-ray pulses in space and time, which enables exciting new applications in imaging, spectroscopy, and nonlinear optics. We are developing efficient X-ray optical elements to build up the functionalities by controlling the 3D structure of materials over large volumes and on nanometre scales, such as nanofocusing lenses, gratings, pulse compressors, waveplates, and beam splitters. We are making the highest resolution X-ray lenses in the world. Here is an opportunity for highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to join our team and be part of these exciting developments.


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About your role:

Prepare and conduct scientific experiments at various radiation sources Develop and apply techniques to characterize and improve X-ray lenses (MLLs) Explore feasibility of MLLs for various experiments and for their increased use at lab, synchrotron and XFEL sources Communicate findings via publications and presentations, and form connections with facilities and laboratories Mentor students in the group

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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.


Limited: 2 years


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About you:

PhD in physics, applied physics or a related field Sound knowledge of Fourier optics, X-ray physics, and metrology Experience in experimental methods or development of instrumentation Experience with synchrotron and XFEL experiments is an advantage Good programming skills, especially Python Proficient in English and in writing scientific articles Excellent interpersonal and communication skills High self-motivation and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team Interested in exploring prospects of new technologies

For further information please contact Dr. Saša Bajt at +49 40 8998-9-2082 (sasa.bajt@desy.de).


Please submit your complete application documents (letter of motivation, CV and relevant certificates).


We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal:





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: 10.01.2026