For our location in Hamburg we are seeking:

Postdoc for laser integration and operation at IFuEL

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.

DESY is one of the leading synchrotron radiation research centers worldwide. The 3rd generation source PETRA III, available since 2009, is one of the most brilliant hard X-ray sources worldwide. Additionally, DESY has a strong background in developing new laser systems for various applications. In the IFuEL (Inertial Fusion Energy Laser Development und HED-Analytics) project under the Fusion 2040 Program of the BMFTR, DESY is developing a highly efficient fusion graded laser as a prototypical system for an inertial fusion power plant. We want to use and test the laser by creating a fusion relevant plasma in a H₂/He jet to irradiate Plasma Facing Materials (PFM). The charged particles originating from the plasma recreate conditions in a prototypical fusion power plant. For the integration of the new fusion graded long pulse laser in the new target chamber, that will house the H₂/He jet and material science analytical tools, we are seeking an enthusiastic scientist. He/she should be eager to advance his/her high energy laser skill and apply it to plasma physics and materials research. The job offers early career and experienced scientists the great opportunity to be part of a state-of-the-art test facility development for fusion research. In addition, the candidate will gain unpresented inside into the challenges in the conception of the prototypical fusion power plant, which holds the key to unlimited energy of the future. The detailed tasks are:

About your role:

Development of a new target chamber that houses the fusion relevant plasma generated through laser matter interaction between the new fusion graded laser and a H₂/He jet jointly with a team of engineers and scientist
Integration of the new high-energy, high-repetition rate laser into the target area for the creation of fusion relevant plasmas
Performing plasma generation and material science experiments with the new installation in cooperation with other team members

Good reasons to join:

Look forward to a unique working environment on our international research campus. Respectful cooperation and the well-being of our staff are central to us, with gender equality forming a key part of this commitment. To support work life balance we offer flexible working hours and variable part-time. 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. The pay grade for this position depends on the candidate’s qualifications and assigned duties, up to the above-mentioned remuneration group, in accordance with TV-AVH regulations and the TVöD Bund salary table. DESY offers its employees a financial supplement for a German job ticket (Deutschland-Ticket) at both locations.

Limited: 2 + 1 years

About you:

PhD in physics
Focus on laser physics and/or experimental laser-plasma interaction
Experience in the operation of high-energy laser systems and its use in experiments (shock and ramp compression) including assembly and commissioning of target chambers
Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers
Experience in the characterization of plasmas produced by laser matter interaction is helpful

For further information please contact Hanns-Peter Liermann at +49 40 8998-5722 (hanns-peter.liermann@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, diversity and inclusion. We therefore welcome applications from people of all dimensions of 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 and those with equivalent status 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:

15.12.2026

Postdoc for laser integration and operation at IFuEL