Head PSI Center for Photon Science (CPS)

The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences in Switzerland. We design, build and operate the country’s large-scale research infrastructures and perform cutting-edge research programs in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By providing access to world-leading instrumentation and performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy.

The center operates two national infrastructures for photon science, the Swiss Light Source (SLS) and the Swiss Free Electron Laser SwissFEL), as well as advanced cleanroom facilities (PICO) and the ETH-PSI Quantum Computing Hub. CPS supports users from academia and industry and has its own ambitious research and technology development programs. CPS consists of around 270 staff at all science, technical and educational levels in seven laboratories (Macromolecules and Bioimaging (LSB), X-ray Nanoscience and Technology (LXN), Condensed Matter (LSC), Femtochemistry (LSF), Advanced Spectroscopy and X-ray Sources (LSX), Nonlinear Optics (LNO), and Nano and Quantum Technologies (LNW)). CPS is responsible for strategic initiatives in the ETH Domain and major international collaborations, e.g. with the European facilities ESRF and EuXFEL, as well as the League of European Accelerator-based Photon Source (LEAPS).

The center has recently completed an upgrade of SLS to a 4th Gen synchrotron source and plans major developments of its facilities as part of the national roadmap for research infrastructures. The center head will be nominated as member of the PSI executive board and will report directly to the PSI director. The successful candidate will be appointed as professor at ETH Zurich, EPFL, or a university.

The Director of PSI is looking for the head of one of its leading research centers

Head PSI Center for Photon Science (CPS)

Your tasks

Provide clear vision and strong leadership for CPS as one of the globally leading centers for photon science and related technologies
Develop and implement strategic plans for the CPS national infrastructures, science and technology programs, and platforms in accordance with the overall PSI and ETH Domain strategy, national priorities, and international engagements
Liaise with key user groups from academia and industry, as well as with leaders of other photon science facilities and nanotechnology and quantum computing centers. Strengthen links with Swiss universities
Enable leading photon, nano and quantum technology development. Represent the field and PSI in national and international collaborations and initiatives
Develop fundamental, mission-driven and technology-driven research jointly with other PSI centers, institutions of the ETH Domain, as well as national and international partners
Further encourage the use of the CPS facilities and platforms by industry. Promote knowledge transfer through the development and the exploitation of intellectual property
Lead the acquisition of third-party funding for research and facilities
Lead a personal research program, including some engagement in teaching

Your profile

Outstanding international recognition as scientist and proven track record of scientific achievements in a field relevant for CPS
Extensive experience as user or developer of large-scale facilities or technology platforms, and the ability to initiate and lead national and international collaborations and networks
Ability to initiate and co-develop scientific and technology programs for CPS and PSI. Experience and proven ability in the leadership of large teams and technical projects
Proven record of successful acquisition of external funding, for example for academic research, instrumentation, or projects with industry
Educational experience (student supervision, teaching)
Excellent leadership and communication skills, and motivation to continuously develop those

We offer

Our institute is part of the ETH Domain, including ETH Zurich and EPFL, and national laboratories PSI, Empa, WSL, and Eawag. We value interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration and offer an internationally competitive salary and pension. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds.

Further information on the position and CPS can be obtained from the director, Prof. Dr. Christian Rüegg, christian.rueegg@psi.ch and the contact in HR.

Please submit your application online by 11 May 2026 (including a cover letter, CV with list of projects and publications, research and technology vision, and contact details of references) (Index-Nr. 6000-00).

Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Sandra Denk, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland

Doctoral student

Job ID: 982

Location: Hamburg

Application deadline: 05/10/2026

Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon operates an outstation at DESY in Hamburg to provide access to highly brilliant synchrotron radiation within its German Engineering Materials Science Centre (GEMS). At the PETRA III synchrotron radiation source, Hereon jointly operates the High Energy Materials Science Beamline (P07/HEMS), the White Beam Engineering Materials Science Beamline (P61A/WINE), the Imaging Beamline (P05/IBL), and the Nanofocus Endstation of Micro- and Nanofocus X-ray Scattering Beamline (P03/MINAXS), along with supporting laboratories. The techniques offered at our diffraction beamlines have a strong focus on engineering materials science.

The Doctoral Network ‘ElectronsMatter’, funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) of the EU, addresses critical challenges in the additive manufacturing (AM) of tungsten and tungsten alloys, a field crucial for advancing applications in energy, aerospace, and green technologies. Tungsten, with its exceptional properties such as the highest melting point of all metals and excellent resistance to wear and corrosion, is ideal for extreme environments. However, its high melting temperature and brittleness make it difficult to process using conventional methods, limiting its industrial use. This project leverages electron beam powder bed fusion (PBF-EB), an AM technology with unique capabilities for processing refractory materials like tungsten. Several Institutions have joined together through ‘ElectronsMatter’ to investigate different aspects of Tungsten PBF-EB. At Hereon, the focus is to use high-energy synchrotron X-rays to investigate the transient behaviours happening during the process, for example, regarding molten pool shape and motion dynamics, or stress evolution during the build process. The PBF-EB sample environment ‘MiniMelt’, provided by network partners from KTH Stockholm, is used for in-situ AM experiments in the X-ray beam.

For this research within the European network, we are looking for a doctoral student doing experimental investigations at the Hereon outstation at DESY in Hamburg. You will work with the MiniMelt sample environment during in-situ experiments as well as experiments in the lab. You will contribute to the development of simultaneous radiography and diffraction measurement techniques with X-rays, allowing imaging of and diffraction information from the same volume. You will work together with other students in the network and take part in training activities. You will be supervised by Prof. Martin Müller (Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel) and Dr. Guilherme Abreu Faria. The appointment is full-time and initially limited to three years. The salary is determined by the EU living allowance (4058 € per month) plus an additional mobility allowance (710 € per month) and, if applicable, a family allowance (660 € per month). These are gross figures and include taxes and social security contributions.

The position is full-time (39 hours/week) and initially limited to three years. Equal opportunity is an important part of our personnel policy. We would therefore strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the position.

EU requirements:

You must not already posses a doctoral degree on the date of recruitment.
Mobility Rule: Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.
Doctoral candidates must be willing to be seconded to two additional project partners for one month each in fulfilment of the grant requirements.

Your tasks

Produce samples with the MiniMelt.
Post-build ex-situ analyses of samples using diffraction and imaging.
Further development of the technique of simultaneous diffraction and radiography at beamline P61A.
Carry out additional experiments at our beamlines, e.g. to study effects of cyclic heating during building of a sample layer-by-layer.
Work together with other students and researchers in the Doctoral Network.
Evaluate and interpret data using existing or own software.
Present results on conferences and publish results in scientific journals.

Your profile

Required qualifications:

Master degree in physics, materials science or a related discipline
Experience with X-ray diffraction techniques applied to metallic materials
Technical skills with research equipment and experience in experimental research
Programming skills and experience with the analysis of large amounts of data
Ability to work independently and interact with an international team
Excellent communication skills
Excellent oral and written English skills

Qualifications considered as an asset:

Experience with diffraction experiments at synchrotrons
Background in metallurgy and metallic materials manufacturing methods
Experience with metallographic specimen preparation and electron microscopy
Experience with computational modelling, either related to materials behaviour or to X-ray scattering techniques
Good German language skills

For questions, contact Dr. Peter Staron (peter.staron@hereon.de).

Your application must include a motivation letter explaining the fit to the requirements, CV, certificates and grades of B.Sc. and, if available, M.Sc. degrees and transcripts.

We offer you

an exciting and varied job in a research centre with around1,000 employees from more than 60 nations
a well-connected research campus (public transport) andbest networking opportunities, subsidy for theDeutschlandticket if certain conditions are met (job ticket)
individual opportunities for further training
social benefits according to the collective agreement of thepublic service and remuneration up to pay group 13 according to TV EntgO Bund
an excellent technical infrastructure and modern workplaceequipment
6 weeks holiday per year; company holidays betweenChristmas and New Year’s Day
very good compatibility of private and professional life; offersof mobile and flexible work
family-friendly company policy with childcare facilities, e.g.nursery close to the company
free assistance program for employees (EAP)
corporate benefit
a varied offer in the canteen on campus

Severely disabled persons and those equaling severely disabled persons who are equally suitable for the position will be considered preferentially within the framework of legal requirements.

Interested? We are looking forward to receiving your application.

Material and Chemical Sciences Manager

Job Number: 2026-9

Department: Material and Chemical Sciences

Location: Saskatoon, SK

Job Type: Full Time

Close Date: 04/20/2026

Professional Areas: Science – Material & Chemical

Salary Range: The Salary Range is $114,011 to $154,250, and remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The Canadian Light Source Inc. (CLSI) is a national research facility of the University of Saskatchewan. CLS produces very bright light to explore the nature and structure of molecules and serves national and international users from academia, industry, and government institutions. With 22 beamlines enabling advanced imaging, spectroscopy, diffraction, and microfabrication capabilities, CLS is a globally recognized centre for multidisciplinary scientific excellence.

We are seeking a Material & Chemical Sciences Manager to lead a department of highly qualified scientists and oversee a portfolio of nine advanced beamlines central to Canada’s scientific innovation ecosystem. The Science Manager (Material & Chemical Sciences) is both a leader and a manager of the department and a senior scientist. The Science Manager ensures the overall performance of a group of beamlines, leads and supports beamline scientists, and contributes technical expertise to strategic scientific programs. This role is ideal for a science-leader who thrives in complex, multidisciplinary environments and is energized by advancing cutting-edge synchrotron science and leading scientific staff.

About the Beamlines You Will Oversee

You will manage scientific teams responsible for several specialized beamlines, each supporting distinct research communities. These beamlines are central to CLS’s scientific mission and represent some of the most sophisticated experimental capabilities available in Canada.

VESPERS (Very Sensitive Elemental and Structural Probe Employing Radiation from a Synchrotron): A hard X-ray microprobe beamline that provides complementary elemental, structural, and chemical information for a wide range of materials.
REIXS (Resonant Elastic and Inelastic X-ray Scattering): A soft X-ray scattering beamline offering high flux, high energy resolution, and full polarization control for advanced superconducting, quantum and functional materials research.
SyLMAND (Synchrotron Laboratory for Micro and Nano Devices): A specialized facility supporting micro- and nanofabrication research for lithography, device development, and advanced materials processing.
HXMA (Hard X-ray Micro-Analysis): A hard X-ray beamline enabling advanced spectroscopy to probe the local atomic and electronic structure of materials.
Far-IR (Far Infrared Spectroscopy): A spectroscopy beamline providing far-infrared and terahertz capabilities to study molecular vibrations, materials chemistry, and low-energy excitations.
BXDS (Brockhouse X-ray Diffraction & Scattering Sector): A suite of three diffraction and scattering beamlines designed for detailed structural characterization of crystalline and complex materials.
QMSC (Quantum Materials Spectroscopy Centre): A dedicated beamline focused on spectroscopy of quantum materials, enabling studies of correlated electrons and emergent material properties.

Representative Duties:

Lead and mentor a team of scientists to achieve departmental goals while clearly communicating strategic priorities.
Advocate for the needs of multiple beamline teams through proactive communication and effective departmental coordination.
Oversee and authorize beamline budgets, resource allocation, and procurement to ensure efficient and compliant operations.
Maintain governance standards by reviewing and approving documentation in alignment with CLS policies and procedures.
Serve as a key point of contact for staff and users, providing guidance, troubleshooting support, and expert mentorship.
Collaborate with other managers to address complex challenges, support strategic decisions, resolve conflicts and contribute to the organizational goals.
Drive the development in the implementation of programs and initiatives that enhance beamline operations and user experience.
Build strong internal and external scientific relationships to increase collaboration, productivity, and scientific impact.
Manage all human resources responsibilities including recruitment, supervision, scheduling, performance management, and development.
Represent CLS through scientific outreach, conference presentations and academic engagement, including pursuing Adjunct Professor status and contributing to scientific programs.

Qualifications

A relevant Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, or a related discipline.
Minimum 5 years of directly related experience in a synchrotron or advanced scientific laboratory environment.
Demonstrated scientific leadership and management role in a multidisciplinary environment.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Proven experience managing complex scientific programs or facilities.
Strategic thinker with hands-on problem-solving skills.
Commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive scientific culture.

Remuneration: The Salary Range is $114,011 to $154,250, and remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. A comprehensive benefits package, including supplemental health & dental, life insurance, pension plan, and four weeks’ vacation is part of a competitive compensation package.

To Apply: Submit a cover letter and resume along with references, in confidence, online at www.lightsource.ca/careers. Applications will be accepted until April 20, 2026. While all applicants are thanked for their interest, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Canadian Light Source Inc. (CLSI) is an equal opportunities employer and encourages members of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, people with disabilities and visible minorities) to self-identify on their applications. One of our values is Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and we strive to create a workforce that reflects our users and the community in which we live. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply, and we hope you will choose CLSI as your employer of choice. If you have any questions or concerns about accessible employment at CLSI, or to begin a confidential conversation about your individual accessibility or accommodation needs through our recruitment process, please contact us at jobs@lightsource.ca.

Science Writer

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s (Berkeley Lab) Advanced Light Source (ALS) Division has an opening for a Science Writer to translate cutting-edge ALS research into compelling stories that highlight its impact on science and society. Reporting to the Director of Communications, this role will craft engaging content that showcases ALS achievements, supports its mission, and strengthens stakeholder engagement. Key responsibilities include writing science highlights, promoting ALS capabilities, and maintaining its reputation as a leading research facility. The role also supports press releases, outreach efforts, user recruitment, and the ALS Upgrade project, keeping audiences informed on facility updates and progress.

The Advanced Light Source is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national scientific user facility that produces exceptionally bright soft and hard x-ray, ultraviolet, and infrared light. With a strong scientific reputation, expert staff, and advanced capabilities, the ALS attracts thousands of academic and industrial users each year in condensed matter and quantum materials, energy sciences, biosciences, earth and planetary sciences and more.

The ALS is one of five Berkeley Lab user facilities that serve 15,000 users annually. Co-located with the Molecular Foundry, NERSC supercomputing center, and Berkeley Lab’s materials, chemical sciences, biosciences, and other divisions, it provides an ideal collaborative environment for innovative scientific discoveries.

The ALS is a global leader in soft x-ray science, and aims to maintain its leadership with ALS-U, a major project to upgrade the facility to a fourth-generation light source. This upgrade will position the facility among the brightest soft x-ray light sources in the world, offering capabilities that no other facility can provide.

Key responsibilities:

Writing and Editorial duties

Translate complex synchrotron science into clear, engaging stories in partnership with scientists and managers.
Research, write, and edit a range of products, including science highlights, web content, news/press releases, print materials, internal features, presentations, proposals, newsletters, and stakeholder documents.
Build relationships with scientific staff and leadership to identify upcoming publications/achievements and prepare them for outreach opportunities.
Collaborate with cross-Lab communications teams to amplify ALS research and achievements to external news sources.
Synthesize information from multiple sources to produce/refine key deliverables for stakeholders, including the Department of Energy.

Design duties

Modify graphics, scientific figures, and multimedia materials to support websites, web articles, and other promotional needs.
Collaborate with ALS communications, Berkeley Lab communications, and Creative Services to refresh and create print and multimedia materials (e.g., brochures, science highlights) to accompany copy content.

Web content and social media duties

Publish web stories on research, technical developments, and facility accomplishments.
Maintain facility’s landing pages and ensure content stays current.
Create digital content, visuals, and key messages to support user communications.
Coordinate web updates across ALS and support annual web governance and review processes.

Content planning and administration duties

In collaboration with the Director of Communications, develop and manage editorial style guidelines to ensure consistent, high-quality communications across all ALS publications, including digital and non-digital materials.
Provide editorial advice to ALS management on high-level presentations for key external audiences and assist in the preparation of large strategic documents.
Co-develop and maintain editorial style guidelines to ensure consistent, high-quality ALS communications across channels.
Advise ALS leadership on messaging and high-level presentations; support development of large strategic documents.
Participate in and contribute to meetings and committee work across the ALS.

Required qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, English, Sciences, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
A minimum of 5 years of experience in scientific writing and/or editing in institutional communications, producing communications products on science-and/or technology-related subjects for diverse audiences or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proven ability to translate technical and scientific concepts into clear, journalistic-style content for press releases, social media, web, print, media campaigns, and other related documents.
2 years of professional experience in editing and proofreading documents that range in size from short-form to large-scale.
Significant knowledge of contemporary science communications tools, tactics, and best practices for technical audiences, including familiarity with common writing, editing, web publishing, and social media platforms such as Google Suite, LinkedIn, Meta, and Bluesky.
Strong organizational skills, fact-checking abilities, editorial judgment, and attention to detail.
Professional presence and highly effective interpersonal skills that allow for iteration and streamlined editorial processes with multiple stakeholders, including scientists and technical and administrative staff.
Ability to adapt writing style and tone for different platforms and audiences.
The ability to balance detailed scientific intricacies while keeping sight of strategic organizational priorities.
Proven track record of successfully executing communications projects independently and cross-functionally, from ideation to completion.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to think creatively and communicate effectively under time-sensitive deadlines.
Works on problems of diverse scope, where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors.
Experience developing and managing editorial calendars and copyediting procedures for complex organizations.

Desired skills/knowledge:

Familiarity with and enthusiasm for writing in support of public service, particularly within scientific, governmental, or public-sector institutions
Experience with media editing software (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva).
Experience writing about Physics, Materials Sciences, Quantum, Earth Science, or AI.
Experience with synchrotron light sources.

Required Application Materials

CV/Resume
Cover Letter
Two writing samples of your past work

Additional information:

Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by April 17, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
Appointment type: This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
Salary range: The expected salary for this position is $122,520 – $136,128. The final salary will depend upon the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
Work modality: This role is designed as a hybrid position in Berkeley, requiring regular onsite collaboration. A fully onsite presence is also welcome. However, we may consider remote arrangements with occasional on-site travel for exceptional candidates with highly aligned experience.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

$Post-doc on ID22 in the X-ray Diffraction and Scattering Group$

Post-doc on ID22 in the X-ray Diffraction and Scattering Group

ob title:Post-doc (f/m) on ID22 in the X-ray Diffraction and Scattering Group
Ref.:PDID22-2
Contract type:Time-limited contract
Working time:Full-time job
Salary range:49.8 K€ minimum
Publication start on Front Office : Site internet:26/03/2026
Contract duration:18 months, renewable for a further 6 to 18 months

ID22 is the ESRF’s high resolution powder diffraction beamline allowing the study at the atomic level of the structures of all varieties of materials, crystalline or otherwise, often in situ undergoing evolution with temperature, atmosphere, time, etc.

As a post-doc you will join the ID22 team and participate in the operation and development of the beamline. You will act as local contact and assist visiting users to design, plan, set up and conduct their experiments. You will be expected to develop your own scientific programme using the powder diffraction beamline and other instruments at ESRF, as appropriate.

Further information may be obtained from Andy Fitch (tel.: +33 (0)4 76 88 25 32; email: fitch@esrf.fr) or Catherine Dejoie (tel.: +33 (0)4 76 88 23 57; email: catherine.dejoie@esrf.fr).

Expected profile

PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, mineralogy, or equivalent science, obtained less than 3 years ago
Experience with powder diffraction or other crystallographic techniques, synchrotron radiation instrumentation (or similar), diffraction data analysis, and computing are desirable
Ability to interact with multi-disciplinary staff and facility users
Proficiency in English (working language at the ESRF)

Working conditions

Contract of 18 months, renewable for a further 6 to 18-month period.

Do you recognize yourself in this description? Apply now for your next professional adventure!

What we offer:

Join an innovative international research institute, with a workforce from 38 different countries
Collaborate with global experts to advance science and address societal challenges
Come and live in a vibrant city, in the heart of the Alps, and Europe’s Green Capital 2022
Enjoy a workplace designed to support your quality of life
Benefit from our competitive compensation and allowances package, including financial support for your relocation to Grenoble

For further information on employment terms and conditions, please refer to https://www.esrf.fr/home/Jobs/what-we-offer.html

The ESRF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from disabled persons.

Company description

The European Synchrotron, the ESRF, is an international research centre based in Grenoble, France.

Through its innovative engineering, pioneering scientific vision and a strong commitment from its 700 staff members, the ESRF is recognised as one of the top research facilities worldwide. Its particle accelerator produces intense X-ray beams that are used by thousands of scientists each year for experiments in diverse fields such as biology, medicine, environmental sciences, cultural heritage, materials science, and physics.

Supported by 19 countries, the ESRF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diversity.

PhD Student for development of strategies for GHz speckle experiments

European XFEL is an international non-profit company located in the Hamburg area in Germany. It operates a 3.4 km-long X-ray laser, which produces X-rays of unique quality for studies in physics, chemistry, the life sciences, materials research and other disciplines. The diverse scientific facilities at European XFEL enable scientists from across the globe to carry out a wide range of experimental techniques.

For our Data Analysis group we are looking for a

PhD Student (f/m/d) for development of strategies for GHz speckle experiments – 29,25 hours/week

The position

X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (XPCS) enables the study of nanoscale and atomic-scale dynamics by analyzing fluctuations in coherent X-ray scattering. The multi-MHz repetition rate of the European XFEL has already made XPCS highly successful for a wide range of applications in soft and biological matter. Now, we want to further develop this technique to explore the GHz regime, which has been enabled by recent technical advances at the European XFEL. However, no detector currently exists that can resolve pulses at a GHz repetition-rate.

To address this challenge, the Data Analysis group and the MID scientific instrument are looking for a PhD student to develop methods and data analysis strategies for GHz speckle techniques and establish it as a viable experimental technique.

In particular, you will:

Develop methods and data analysis workflows to enable GHz speckle experiments.
Explore the application of X-ray Speckle Visibility Spectroscopy (XSVS) to data analysis.
Simulate GHz speckle experiments to assess and improve developed methods, as well as to optimize experimental parameters.
Participate in relevant experimental activities.

Requirements

Masters degree in physics (grade of “good” or better).
Experience in scientific programming (e. g., Python, Julia).
Interest in experimental physics.
Good command of English (that will be the working language)

Nice to haves:

Experience with handling and managing large datasets is highly advantageous.
Familiarity with techniques used in photon science, such as XPCS.
Experience developing simulations.
Experience with experiments at light sources, such as participating in synchrotron or XFEL experiments.

For additional information, please contact Dr. Luca Gelisio (luca.gelisio@xfel.eu).

Working place will be Schenefeld, in the Hamburg metropolitan area. General information on working in Germany, the Hamburg area and the European XFEL can be found under www.xfel.eu/careers.

Our offer

Become part of a vibrant international and multi-cultural team of scientists, engineers, technical and administrative staff. Be involved in cutting edge scientific and technical progress and participate in our international networks. Experience our atmosphere of tolerance and respect.

Salary and benefits are similar to those of public service organizations in Germany, this includes for example:

family friendly working environment (e. g. additional childcare days)
flexible working times and option for work from home depending on tasks
30 days of vacation, 24^th and 31^st of December are free as a courtesy of the employer
extensive relocation benefits
generous company pension scheme (6,45 % of monthly salary)
monthly social events and subsidized company restaurant
partially financed job-tickets for public transportation
extensive training opportunities incl. subsidized English and German language classes
easy and free access to a mental health platform to support your wellbeing

Our company language is English.

Reference number: S-644

Duration: This appointment is limited to 3 years.

Application

Please apply online and provide your CV and a motivation letter in English as well as any reference letters.

The European XFEL GmbH is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and we promote and support diverse and heterogenous teams. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference over other equally qualified applicants.

PhD Studentship: The Self-Driving Microscope: Predicting Stochastic Failure in Solid-State Batteries using Physics-Informed AI

The development of safe, high-energy solid-state batteries is a key UK national priority, but it faces a critical bottleneck: the microscopic flaws that cause catastrophic failure (such as dendrite penetration, severe structural cracking, and short-circuiting) are unpredictable, fleeting, and hidden from standard tests. Capturing these elusive, stochastic events is a recognised ‘grand challenge’ for scientists.

This PhD studentship is the foundational computational element (WP1) proposed for a major 8-year project (“The Self-Driving Microscope”). The project’s goal is to build an autonomous, AI-piloted X-ray imaging platform that intelligently hunts for these hidden failure points in real-time.

As the first PhD student and a founding member of the new BASE (Beamlines for Autonomous Science and Engineering) Laboratory, your goal is to design and build the core predictive engine for this platform, teaching microscopes how to think and helping develop the next generation of beamlines.

This is a cutting-edge computational project at the intersection of AI, physics-based simulation, and materials science. Your key objectives will be to:

Build a Multi-Scale Training Dataset – You will use 3D X-ray tomograms of next-generation solid-state cells (e.g., Li-metal/Li₆PS₅Cl) acquired at the I13-2 beamline (Diamond Light Source). The dataset will capture cells at pristine, aged, and post-failure stages.
Develop the Core AI Predictor – You will explore and train advanced models, such as Graph Neural Networks (GNNs), to solve the key challenge: distinguishing benign aging from true failure precursors, features retrospectively confirmed to be the origin of a crack.
Integrate Physics-Based Signatures – You will go beyond simple image recognition by using high-performance computing solvers (like the open-source OpenImpala developed by our group) to transform static 3D porosity maps into dynamic 3D maps of local tortuosity and ionic flux. This provides a direct, physically-grounded signature for the AI to learn from.
Augment Data with Generative AI – You will use physics-constrained generative models (Diffusion models/GANs) to create a diverse library of synthetic microstructures, improving model generalisation against noisy, live experimental data.

This studentship is fully and securely funded by the University’s £9M Research England-funded M³4Impact expansion programme. This project is a cornerstone of the Computational Science and Engineering Group’s (CSEG) goals and will proceed as a key foundational project for the new BASE Laboratory. You will be fully embedded within the M³4Impact doctoral cohort and co-supervised by Prof. Andrew Kao, whose group will provide validated simulation models to benchmark the AI’s prediction and Dr. Mikhail Poluektov.

As the founding PhD student of the new BASE Laboratory, the successful applicant will join a dynamic, growing research group. The lab is structured with a computational core at the University of Greenwich and an experimental hub at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL). Your supervisor, Dr James Le Houx, is the Faraday Institution Emerging Leader Fellow at RAL and co-leads the UK’s Battery Imaging BAG at Diamond Light Source. You will benefit from this direct link to national facilities and be part of a team dedicated to developing open-source computational tools for advanced materials discovery.

Leading Scientist and Group Leader SQS Instrument

The Position

Take responsibility for full scientific exploitation of the Small Quantum Systems (SQS) instrument dealing with atomic, molecular and small cluster spectroscopic and imaging research
Provide strategic leadership to foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive team environment that empowers members to achieve research objectives and develop their professional skills
Develop and communicate a clear scientific vision in cooperation with the scientific director
Actively seek and establish collaborations with world-leading scientists, foster a strong user community, and engage in outreach activities to further expand the user base.
Define and implement strategic refurbishments and upgrades to ensure the SQS instrument maintains its state-of-the-art status
Contribute to shaping and implementing the long-term vision of the European XFEL as an international lighthouse research facility

Requirements

Proven record of scientific excellence in AMO (Atomic, Molecular and Optical) physics, in particular in studies of Small Quantum Systems (atoms, molecules, clusters) in the gas phase
Strong interest in and a clear vision for the use and development of instrumentation
Demonstrated experience in synchrotron or free-electron laser or optical laser radiation applications
Strong managerial and leadership skills, with experience in leading international research teams, and the ability to mentor colleagues from various backgrounds and in different stages of their careers
Excellent relationship management skills to foster a positive collaboration inside and outside EuXFEL
Excellent communication skills
Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment within the group and the wider scientific community
Ability to secure funding and guide grant writing initiatives

For additional information, please contact Prof. Dr. Serguei Molodtsov
(serguei.molodtsov@xfel.eu).

Working place will be Schenefeld, in the Hamburg metropolitan area. General information on working in Germany, the Hamburg area and the European XFEL can be found under www.xfel.eu/careers.

Our offer

Salary and benefits are similar to those of public service organizations in Germany, this includes for example:

family friendly working environment (e. g. additional childcare days)
flexible working times and option for work from home depending on tasks
30 days of vacation, 24^th and 31^st of December are free as a courtesy of the employer
extensive relocation benefits
generous company pension scheme (6,45 % of monthly salary)
monthly social events and subsidized company restaurant
partially financed job-tickets for public transportation
extensive training opportunities incl. subsidized English and German language classes
Easy and free access to a mental health platform to support your wellbeing

Our company language is English.

Reference number: S-641

Duration: This appointment is permanent.

Instrument Scientist

The Position

contribute to and participate in internal research projects at X-ray free-electron lasers and synchrotrons, interact with international collaborations and user consortia
take part in the operation of the HED instrument, support HED instrument scientists in running user experiments, including shift work
plan and perform R&D on methods and applications specific to HED, such as laser- and DAC-based compression techniques, high‑pressure phenomena, or femtosecond optical/x-ray laser matter interaction, relativistic laser-plasma science, or pulsed strong magnetic fields.
support and advise user groups in preparing and running their experiments

Requirements

a PhD degree in experimental physics or equivalent
expertise areas relevant to HED-HIBEF at the European XFEL, such as laser-driven shocks, diamond anvil cells, high-pressure phenomena, warm dense matter or relativistic laser-plasma science.
knowledge on relevant X-ray techniques, such as synchrotron, laser, or XFEL-based spectroscopy, scattering, diffraction or X-ray imaging – knowledge of optical diagnostics (such as VISAR, SOP) is an asset.
passionate about working on cutting edge creative science in a competent working environment
readiness for shift work and user support at a large-scale research facility
excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a multilingual, multidisciplinary team with good written and oral English skills
a structured and self-reliant work mode

For additional information, please contact Ulf Zastrau (ulf.zastrau@xfel.eu).

Working place will be Schenefeld, in the Hamburg metropolitan area. General information on working in Germany, the Hamburg area and the European XFEL can be found under www.xfel.eu/careers.

Our offer

Become part of a vibrant international and multicultural team of scientists, engineers, technical and administrative staff. Be involved in cutting edge scientific and technical progress and participate in our international networks. Experience our atmosphere of tolerance and respect.

Salary and benefits are similar to those of public service organizations in Germany, this includes for example:

family-friendly working environment (e.g. additional childcare days)
flexible working times and option for work from home depending on tasks
30 days of vacation, 24th and 31st of December are free as a courtesy of the employer
extensive relocation benefits
generous company pension scheme (6,45% of monthly salary)
monthly social events and subsidized company restaurant
partially financed job-tickets for public transportation
extensive training opportunities incl. subsidized English and German language classes
easy and free access to a mental health platform to support your well‑being

Our company language is English.

Reference number: S-632

Duration: This position is limited to 3 years, with the option to be extended by 2 more years.

Scientific Group Leader 2D-Materials – tenure track

With cutting-edge research in the fields of ENERGY, HEALTH and MATTER, around 1,500 employees from more than 70 nations at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) are committed to mastering the great challenges facing society today.

The Institute for Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research is dedicated to the study of materials and their nanostructures that can be considered for future applications in information technology and are based on electrical, magnetic or optical functionalities.

The Department of Nanoelectronics is looking for a Scientific Group Leader (f/m/d) 2D-Materials – tenure track. The position will be offered subject to approval of project funding.

Our focus is on world-class nanofabrication which allows the rapid integration of 2D-materials in various device architectures. This is accomplished in our fully equipped cleanroom and electron beam lithography facility. The department also provides low temperature (10 mK) and high-magnetic field (8 T) cryostat to characterise the materials for applications in nano- and quantumelectronics.

Your tasks

Head of the group on 2D-materials in the department of Nanoelectronics
Strategic development of the group
Supervision of PhD students (4 at the moment)
Publishing of results in high-impact journals
Acquisition of third-party funding

Your profile

Completed university studies (PhD) in the field of Physics, Electrical Engineering, Material Science or comparable natural sciences
Relevant professional experience (3-5 years) in the specified area
Expertise in electronics of 2D-materials and quantum electronics
Hands-on experience in nanofabrication and cryogenic measurements
Excellent English

Our offer

A vibrant research community in an open, diverse and international work environment
Scientific excellence and extensive professional networking opportunities
Salary and social benefits in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD-Bund) including 30 days of paid holiday leave, company pension scheme (VBL)
We support a good work-life balance with the possibility of part-time employment, mobile working and flexible working hours
Numerous company health management offerings
Employee discounts with well-known providers via the platform Corporate Benefits
An employer subsidy for the “Deutschland-Ticket Jobticket”

We look forward to receiving your application documents (including cover letter, CV, diplomas/transcripts, etc.), which you can submit via our online-application-system.

$Scientist for the Coherent Diffraction Imaging (CDI) beamline$

Scientist for the Coherent Diffraction Imaging (CDI) beamline

Deadline: 15 April 2026
Ref: DB/26/11

Background

Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste is an international multidisciplinary research centre offering international users access to synchrotron and free-electron laser radiation for the characterization and processing of matter. The extremely high quality of the light sources and beamlines has set new performance records and has been producing results of great scientific and technological interest. In order to allow the laboratory to remain competitive in the next 20 years, an entirely new synchrotron radiation source – Elettra 2.0 – belonging to the new generation of storage rings (DLSR or Diffraction Limited Storage Ring) is being installed and will join the already operating free-electron source FERMI in the second half of 2026. The new source will exhibit a major increase in the brilliance and coherence fraction of the photon beams. The Elettra 2.0 optics is based on our enhanced symmetric six bend achromat structure (S6BA-E) with a 12-fold symmetry and an emittance of 200 pm-rad at 2.4 GeV. The new structure creates also straight sections in the arcs permitting the installation of additional insertion devices, thus increasing the number of beamlines. Existing beamlines are being upgraded and new beamlines constructed to take full advantage of the characteristics of Elettra 2.0. See http://www.elettra.eu for more information.

Beamline / Project / Activity description

To take full advantage of the high brilliance and low emittance of the upgraded Elettra 2.0, a new Coherent Diffraction Imaging (CDI) beamline with multimodal capabilities in the energy range 350-4000 eV is under construction. The beamline and its experimental station have been designed to address a broad spectrum of scientific cases by performing soft/tender X-ray scattering and imaging experiments in different modes and geometries on a rich variety of samples; as such, it will represent a unique experimental facility worldwide, providing enhanced capabilities for Bragg ptychography, diffractive imaging, Fourier transform holography, scanning X-ray nanodiffraction and X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy. The experimental station is based on a fully UHV-compatible diffractometer. A liquid-helium cooled sample manipulator enables access to the most intriguing phases of novel superconductors and electronic materials. Scanning nano-actuators are used to position the pinholes and the set-up comprising the zone plate and order-sorting aperture. The high-efficiency, fast X-ray detectors (both pixelated and area-integrating) installed on the moveable diffraction arms will be precisely aligned relative to the sample and will provide the possibility to image in transmission, reflectivity and Bragg geometries, as well as giving time-domain access for the investigation of collective ordering dynamics.

Job description

The successful candidate will be engaged in the development and operation of the CDI beamline at Elettra 2.0. Initially, he/she will oversee all aspects of testing and commissioning of the new experimental station and beamline, conducting and supervising acceptance tests and installations. This responsibility includes evaluating the overall performance of the experimental apparatus in collaboration with physicists and engineers.

He/she will be expected to play a pivotal role in guiding the research activities and fostering collaborative initiatives, while also being actively involved in the day-to-day operation of the beamline including maintenance. A key responsibility will be to broaden and strengthen the user community, partly through active outreach, by promoting the realization of users’ research, supporting proposal submission, assisting users with experiment execution and data analysis, and consistently providing high-quality support.

In addition, he/she is expected to develop his/her own line of research, which exploits the unique capabilities of the CDI beamline and, where possible, further expands them. This will involve submitting proposals to relevant funding agencies, actively participating in collaborative projects, and leveraging a broad professional network to ensure the scientific success of the beamline and to plan future upgrades beyond Elettra 2.0.

Qualifications

A Ph.D. in Physics or related discipline is required. The candidate must not have more than 10 years of total postdoctoral experience, whether in academic institutions or private companies, with a track record commensurate with career advancement. The following qualifications are required:

Demonstrated experience in X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy /spectromicroscopy.
A solid background in ultra-fast magnetism.

Expertise in the following areas will be considered an advantage:

Design, construction and commissioning of advanced scientific instrumentation.
Programming skills (Matlab and Python).
Data acquisition and analysis (e.g., LabVIEW, Origin, Igor Pro) or simulation software (e.g., micro-magnetic simulations).

Familiarity with OAM related research.

Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated experience in Coherent diffraction imaging (CDI) at synchrotrons radiation or FEL sources.

Good time management skills and ability to prioritize are expected, together with the ability to interact with the facility staff and international users at all levels and to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Good oral and written communication skills in English are essential.

The appointment envisioned is a permanent staff position, with a three-month trial period and employment starting date in September 2027.

The salary will be commensurate with the previous experience and qualifications of the selected candidate.

Applications should include the candidate’s full curriculum vitae, the names and contact information (including electronic mail) of up to two persons who have agreed to provide references.

The interviews may be held via video conferencing.

The ranking of suitable candidates resulting from this selection process may be used within the following 24 months.

Permanent employees of Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A. will be excluded from the present selection procedure. Employees or former employees of any Italian Public Entity who have exercised authority over Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A. or have negotiated with Elettra – Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A. within the last three years, will also be excluded from the present selection procedure, in accordance with the provisions of article 21 of the Italian legislative decree no. 39/2013 and in conjunction with article 53 (subsection16ter) of Italian legislative decree no. 165/2001.

The deadline for the submission of the application is April 15, 2026.

We thank all applicants in advance.
For more information, please contact Tevfik Onur Mentes (email: tevfik.mentes@elettra.eu).

Postdoc position at MIRAS

Reference: 2024-262

Deadline: 06/04/2026

Division: Experiments

ALBA, the Spanish synchrotron light source, is a large research infrastructure operating ten beamlines, complementary facilities, and an Electron Microscopy Center partnership. The facility is currently growing by constructing multiple more beamlines, expanding the Electron Microscopy Center, and integrating advanced data analytics, to sum up a wide range of infrastructures geared toward finding solutions to societal challenges.

The facility, located in Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain), is funded by the Spanish and Catalan Governments. Thousands of researchers per year are using the synchrotron light from the 3 GeV electron beam to analyse and understand the structure and function of matter. Enabled research and innovation is spanning a wide variety of fields, such as health, environment, food security, energy production/storage, catalysis, communication technologies and cultural heritage. Our highly motivated staff works in a multidisciplinary work environment with an atmosphere formed by lived diversity, inclusion and respect for our colleagues. ALBA is located close to Barcelona in a natural park, well connected by car and public transportation, with excellent connections to the world and an employer who understands the importance of life-work balance. You can find more about the history of the ALBA synchrotron light facility here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHMqiH4qBAo

ALBA is now geared to its upgrade to a 4th generation facility, ALBA II (https://www.cells.es/en/about/alba-ii), which also includes major upgrades of the exisiting beamlines, and the construction of new ones, scheduled to see the new beam on a sample on 2031. This is an exceptional time for the facility, ALBA is in a phase of growth and dynamics.

The MIRAS beamline at ALBA is providing vibrational microspectroscopy in the far- and mid-IR spectral regimes (1 μm to ∼100 μm) at 2.4-14 microns spatial resolution for chemical mapping. The beamline features the most important geometries for sample analysis, that is, transmission, reflection, attenuated total reflection (ATR) and grazing incidence. The beamline is equipped with a Bruker Vertex 70v spectrometer coupled to a Hyperion 3000 microscope, featuring a MCT detector for high-sensitivity point measurements and a FPA detector for rapid macroimaging.

MIRAS serves the community with solid user-services to a wide user community since 2016 and at the same time develops new approaches to bring unique capabilities to the growing user community in life sciences and as well as environmental and material sciences. In life sciences, MIRAS enables label-free studies of cells, tissues, and biomolecules, supporting cancer diagnostics, drug-response monitoring, and metabolic fingerprinting. It is provided with a Live cells setup, a linkam stage and a freeze-dryer. In material sciences, MIRAS is strongly focused in the area of energy storage and catalysis, for which the beamline is equipped with Diamond Anvil Cells for High Pressure studies, tensile stages, a Diamond ATR accessory and an external 4.2 K bolometer detector for Far-Infrared.

Facing an upgrade to ALBA II, a 4th generation facility, which will increase dramatically brightness and coherent flux, upgrade the operating beamlines and building new ones, ALBA is in a phase of growth and dynamics. As a postdoctoral scientiest and being a part of the MIRAS team, you will promote your career and will give you the opportunities to explore new territories.

Tasks

As postdoctoral scientist at MIRAS, you will drive the beamline capabilities and foster existing and potential user communities, collaborate with the beamline scientists at ALBA to push correlative methods within specific scientific programs, interact with the ALBA staff to develop advanced spectromicroscopy tools at the beamline, promote advanced methodologies for the beamline upgrade and present technical reports and papers.

The following tasks summarize this in a nut shell:

Design, maintain or upgrade the instrumentation available at the beamline, including sample preparation methods and data processing methods, together with the rest of the scientific beamline staff and the corresponding engineers and technicians.
Develop and demonstrate the value of the MIRAS scientific program in life, environmental and materials science that takes advantage of and expands the capabilities of the beamline and the multi-modal approacles with other beamlines at ALBA.
Develop your own scientific program in one of the scientific focus areas of MIRAS building on the capabilities of the group and the beamline.
Participate and integrate in the research program of the MIRAS group, and in related national and European projects and collaborations. This may also include the initiation of new projects if appropriate.
Develop the future user program of the beamline within the ALBA-II context in collaboration with the group.
Provide support to the scientific users of the MIRAS beamline as a Local Contact.

Requirements

The requirements for participation must be met on the date of the deadline for the submission of applications and will be accredited by means of the CV attached to it, without prejudice to the power of the selection body to require the contribution of the originals of the certifications accrediting the qualifications, training and work experience invoked in the CV.

Applications that do not present the aforementioned or required documentation during the selection procedure will not be accepted.

The successful candidate must:

Hold a PhD either in cellular biology, biochemistry, physics, material science or related disciplines.

Everyone who meets the requirements will be admitted for the selective process. This position is reserved for those candidates having the legal status of person with disabilities, with a degree of disability equal or greater than 33%. In case of one or more admitted applicants with this status of disability, these candidates will be evaluated at first. In the event that no candidate with the status of disability is finally selected for the position, the selection process shall continue and the rest of the applicants will be evaluated.

Selection Process Development

The selection will be carried out through the competition-opposition system.

As a first phase, an analysis of the curriculum will be carried out (assessment of previous experience and / or scientific history, degree, training and other professional information relevant to the position). Career breaks or variations in the chronological order of CVs will be regarded as an evolution of a career, and consequently, as a contribution to the professional development.

Have experience in infrared spectromicroscopy, documented by peer reviewed publications. (15 points)
Experience on operating or designing IR instrumentation. (10 points)
Experience in IR or related techniques in the field of life sciences or material sciences. (15 points)

The best rated candidates, at least two if possible, will be invited to an interview where the technical competence, knowledge, skills and professional experience linked to the position will be assessed, with a total score of 60 points. A minimum of 30 points must be obtained out of a total of 60 points to be eligible.

Provided they meet the minimum requirements and have ranked among the top five after the assessment of the CV phase, at least one person from the underrepresented gender in the division/office will be interviewed.

The interview will assess the following aspects, among others:

Relevant scientific publication record on life sciences (12.5 points)
Relevant scientific publication record on environmental or material sciences (12.5 points)
Capability of executing an IR user program (10 points)
Capability of building new user communities for MIRAS (5 points)
Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team (5 points)
Good interpersonal and communication skills (5 points)
Work experiences at multiple synchrotron light facilities. (5 points)
Self-motivation, good organizational and planning skills (5 points)

The merits will be accredited by means of the CV attached to the application. The selection board may require accreditation by additional documentation, originals or certified copies confirming the experience invoked in the CV.

In case of a tied final score, the position will be awarded to the person who belongs to the most underrepresented gender in the corresponding Division and subsidiarily to the overall company.

If necessary, alternates of the members of the selection board will be appointed by the president of the selection process, and the change will be published in the announcement.

The resolution of the selection procedure will be carried out within a maximum period of six months from the deadline for submitting applications for participation.

The selection process may be declared vacant if the selection board considers not to have found eligible candidates for the position although they might meet the requirements to participate in the selection process specified in the offer.

Other information

Temporary contract (3+3 years).

The Selection Board is composed by the following members: Ibraheem Yousef, Judith Juanhuix, Klaus Attenkofer, Barbara Machado Calisto and François Fauth.

In the 12th of March, the followings changes have been made in the announcement:

François Fauth has been added into the Selection Board.
The puntuaction of the item “Relevant scientific publication record on life sciences” has been changed from 15 points to 12.5 points.
The punctuaction of the item “Relevant scientific publication record on environmental or material sciences” has been changed from 10 points to 12.5 points.

PhD Student for HTS undulator

The Position

Advance the development of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tape–based undulators for synchrotron and free-electron laser (FEL) applications, with the potential to significantly enhance photon beam brilliance and extend the accessible X-ray energy range. While conventional permanent-magnet (PMUs) and low-temperature superconducting (LTS) undulators based on NbTi are mature technologies, they are fundamentally limited in achievable magnetic field strength. HTS materials such as REBCO (Rare-Earth Barium Copper Oxide) tapes offer a route to substantially higher magnetic fields—potentially by a factor of five with respect to PMUs and a factor of 2.5 with respect to LTS undulators—thereby enabling more compact and higher-energy light sources.

Your tasks would include:

Design Optimization of HTS Undulator Coils
Modeling of HTS Electromagnetic Behavior
Contribute to investigate Quench Behavior and Protection
Prepare Prototypes and contribute to their Results Analysis and Experimental Validation
Establish Manufacturing Process Development
Complete and defend doctoral thesis

Requirements

Master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Superconductivity, or a closely related field.
Good verbal and written English communication skills

The following points are considered an asset:

Some experience in design or construction of small devices or experiments
Prior experience with superconducting magnets, accelerator physics, or undulator technology.
Hands-on experience with cryogenic systems and magnetic field measurements.
Experience with numerical modeling and simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS, CST, or similar multiphysics/FEM software), in particular for magnetic field
Programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar scientific computing environments.
Knowledge of magnetic field simulations

For additional information, please contact Dr. Sara Casalbuoni (sara.casalbuoni@xfel.eu).

Working place will be Schenefeld, in the Hamburg metropolitan area. General information on working in Germany, the Hamburg area and the European XFEL can be found on our Career Page.

Reference Number

S-637

Duration

This appointment is limited to 3 years.

Our offer

Salary and benefits are similar to those of public service organizations in Germany, this includes for example:

family friendly working environment (e.g. additional childcare days)
flexible working times and option for work from home depending on tasks
30 days of vacation, 24th and 31st of December are free as a courtesy of the employer
extensive relocation benefits
generous company pension scheme (6,45% of monthly salary)
monthly social events and subsidized company restaurant
partially financed job-tickets for public transportation
extensive training opportunities incl. subsidized English and German language classes
Easy and free access to a mental health platform to support your wellbeing

Our company language is English.

Application

Please provide your CV and a motivation letter in English as well as any reference letters.

Application Deadline: 15/04/2026

Head of Finance Service

At a glance

Job title: Head of Finance Service
Ref.:26-8-P-ADM-FIN
Contract type: Permanent contract
Working time: Full-time job
Salary range:70 k€ minimum
Publication start on Front Office : Site internet:12/03/2026

Context & Job description

Reporting to the Director of Administration, you hold a key position within our organisation. You contribute to major strategic orientations and ensure their translation into robust financial and budgetary frameworks.

As a trusted partner to the Directors, you support them in their strategic decision-making, while ensuring optimal use of resources, compliance with regulatory requirements, and the overall financial performance of the ESRF.

You oversee a team of 16 staff members and are seconded by three heads of units and an assistant. Your main responsibilities include:

Ensuring financial robustness: You guarantee the reliability of financial statements, oversee budget monitoring, and ensure compliance with applicable financial rules and standards at the ESRF.
Driving the long-term budget trajectory: You contribute to the preparation of 10-year financial plans, acting as a key interface between the Divisions and the Budget Unit. You provide financial visibility and secure long-term financial sustainability.
Leading and structuring the finance function: You manage all activities related to accounting, budgeting, treasury, billing, and stores. Supported by three middle managers and an assistant, you demonstrate inclusive and empowering leadership, fostering engagement, skills development, and performance.
Continuously improving processes and tools: As a proactive driver of change, you identify and implement organizational improvements and system enhancements to increase efficiency, reliability, and process fluidity.
Reporting to management and governance bodies: You prepare the financial documents and you ensure the relevance, clarity, and quality of the financial analyses presented. You are in charge of the organisation and the minutes of the Administrative and Finance Committee, a strategic body that meets twice a year
Advising management: As a trusted advisor to the Directors, you support them in steering their budgets, particularly in relation to complex funding schemes such as European grants.