Open Positions

How to apply

All our openings are always offered publicly on our homepage.

Please use exclusively our online recruitment tool, which can be directly called up by clicking the link in the "Application" section in the relevant job advertisement. There are only four mandatory fields to fill. Then please attach your complete application file (preferably as a PDF) to complete the first step. You will immediately receive an automatically-generated message acknowledging receipt. Afterwards, we ask you for some patience. In most cases, we will get in touch with you only after the application deadline has expired.

Applications submitted after the posted deadline usually will not be considered for the recruitment process.

Please note: Only on rare occasions (mainly because of browser problems) will this procedure not work. In the event of a technical problem, please send us your application with a respective message via email to hr-group@xfel.eu. Also please bear in mind that the system only allows you to upload a total file size of 7 MB.

Recruitment process

Immediately after the deadline for applications, an international selection committee of men and women evaluates the written applications.

One criterion is the completeness of the solicited documents. So please provide a cover letter, a CV, and certificates (if requested). Normally, in the course of one week following the deadline, the committee compiles a shortlist consisting of three to six candidates. Dates for the interviews are fixed and the invitations are sent out. We try to take the wishes of the candidates into consideration, which is mostly, but not always, possible.

Applicants who will not be considered further in the recruitment process or who might be contacted at a later stage will also be informed within the aforementioned timeframe.

Travel costs and the use of public transport at the place of residence and in Hamburg as well as accommodation–if necessary–will be covered or reimbursed by the company in the maximum amount of 2 overnight stays. Flights and hotels are usually organized by the company through our travel agency and are directly paid by the company. Please note that travel costs within Hamburg for local/Hamburg candidates are not reimbursed.

If a visa is needed for traveling to Germany, we will send you the necessary invitation and consult you regarding the procedure. In exceptional cases, if a visa is not attainable in the available timeframe, we will organize a video conference instead.

The interviews are held by the selection committee in English language. Positions for technicians or mechanics might, in exceptional cases and on request of the candidate, be conducted in German. Scientists and engineers are usually requested to give a talk of roughly 15 to 20 minutes about previous achievements in an area relevant to the position. A PC and a beamer/projector will be available for use. The presentation is followed by a question and answer session with the committee. Afterwards, the candidate also has time to ask questions—for example, regarding the position, the company, and the respective group. The duration of the interviews varies between 50 and 90 minutes, depending on the position. In most cases, you will also meet an HR representative, who will explain to you details such as salary and working time. Interviews for technical or computer science positions may be followed by a short practical exam. For scientific positions, a short tour through the lab is sometimes organized. After the interviews, the selection committee summarizes the results; if deemed helpful and necessary, reference persons are contacted after the interview. The selection committee then provides a ranking of the candidates. The candidates will receive feedback, usually within two weeks after the final interview.

How to find us

The Human Resources office is located on the second floor of the European XFEL headquarters building in Schenefeld.

Should you have an appointment with us at our office in Schenefeld, please come to the reception desk in the foyer. Please see our contacts page for more information, including directions to the Schenefeld campus via public transportation, automobile, and taxi.

Shaping the future

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.

At the High-Energy-Density instrument (HED) extreme states of matter are investigated with the goal to decipher the physical properties under a wide range of dense and hot conditions, which in turn will deepen our understanding of astrophysical objects and phenomena as well as the dynamic processes in fusion plasmas and plasma accelerators. The instrument offers a variety of X-ray diagnostics and techniques together with powerful drivers including a high-energy 100J laser system for dynamic compression and an ultra-intense 100 TW system for relativistic laser plasmas.

For our High Energy Density (HED) instrument group we are looking for a

PhD Student (f/m/d) for the development and characterization of a cryo jet platform at HED/XFEL 

The position

The advertised position aims to develop an innovative platform at the HED instrument of European XFEL which delivers well characterized cryogenic liquid jets for discovery science experiments in order to answer fundamental questions in astrophysics, fusion research and laser plasma acceleration processes. Cryogenic jets of liquid hydrogen with few micro-meters in diameter have been successfully demonstrated in first proof-of principle studies. This project aims to push the frontier towards much larger jets exceeding 100 micrometers and enable stable operation under extreme high-power laser conditions at high repetition rates. Advancing the liquid jet injection technology towards novel planar jet shapes, unexplored gas sample and gas mixtures are supplemental goals. The suitable candidate will delve into a multiphysics topic which combines cutting edge disciplines such as cryogenics, vacuum engineering, fluid dynamics of micro-fluids, high resolution optical diagnostics using imaging and scattering methods and exciting experiments in laser plasma physics.
 
The specific tasks are:
  • design, construction and commissioning of a cryogen jet platform at HED
  • development and implementation of system components to allow high gas throughputs and stable jet operation during extreme laser plasma interactions
  • development and experimental characterization of novel cryogenic jet types (nozzles, gas mixing, etc.)

Requirements

  • Master’s degree in Engineering Science or Physics with excellent grades
  • high level of motivation to work and participate in a developing academic research environment with potential high impact discoveries for fusion research and laser based particle accelerators
  • profound practical and theoretical knowledge in some of the following fields: Microfluidics, Liquid jet injector systems, Optical particle and flow diagnostics, Cryogenics, Vacuum technology, Piezo actuators and motion control
  • skills in CAD, CFD tools and programming in python is considered an asset
  • good English skills are mandatory to communicate with the experimental team, local companies and international collaborators
  • creative, self-motivated and able to work both alone and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
     

For additional information, please contact Dr. Sebastian Göde (sebastian.goede@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

The European XFEL GmbH employs a diverse, broadly international staff. 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, participate in our international networks, and shape your life upon trust based flexible working times and telecommuting options. Experience our atmosphere of tolerance and respect.
The PhD positions are fully funded for a duration of three years. In justified cases an extension is possible.
Salary amounts to 75% of pay group 13 for civil servants in Germany (TVöD Bund). Further benefits are similar to those of public service organizations in Germany. In addition, European XFEL provides a non-contributory company pension scheme, broad relocation benefits, a subsidized job-ticket for the local public transportation system, as well as our brand-new company restaurant BeamStop. Company language is English, non-German candidates hired from abroad receive an international allowance.
The European XFEL PhD program goes far beyond classical PhD studies. You will have the opportunity to advance your professional, personal and methodical abilities for boosting your scientific career.

Reference number

S-316_d

Duration

This appointment is limited to 3 years.

Deadline

07 October 2020

Application

Please apply online and provide a motivation letter and your CV in English as well as certificates in one single pdf-file.

Applicants with disabilities will be given preference over other equally qualified applicants The European XFEL GmbH is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and encourages applications from women

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