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.

Join our team

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.

To support our Management Board and the secretariat team we are now looking for a

Secretary to the Management Board (f/m/d)

The position

  • secretarial assistance to one of the scientific directors, including preparation of correspondence and documents, calendar maintenance, meeting scheduling, travel management, translations German/English, preparation of presentations
  • organization, preparation and follow-up of committee meetings, workshops, conferences, high-level visits and meetings: catering organization, hotel bookings, website maintenance, registrations, announcements, and assistance during the meetings
  • general assistance to the Management Board and completion of ad-hoc projects
  • administration of contacts and mailing lists
  • maintain the secretariat and Management Board sites in the document management system
  • support of and stand in for other colleagues in the secretariat team

Requirements

  • completed education as foreign language assistant (or equivalent qualification)
  • work experience in similar positions within a demanding and international work environment
  • excellent skills in standard office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • proactive, team and service-oriented behaviour
  • well organized, independent, reliable, with team spirit and commitment
  • very good communication skills in English are mandatory; knowledge of German is considered an asset; willingness to work in a diverse team of international colleagues
  • proven expertise in working under pressure and with deadlines

For additional information, please contact Nicole Elleuche (nicole.elleuche@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, 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.

Salary and 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, as well as subsidized job-tickets and meals at our company restaurant. The European XFEL GmbH intends to achieve a widely international staff. Company language is English, non-German candidates hired from abroad receive an international allowance.

Reference number

A-165

Duration

This appointment is initially limited to 2 years. It may become permanent subject to a later decision.

Deadline

03 January 2021

Application

Please apply online and provide a cover letter next to a CV in English, as well as your work 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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