Voluntary social year in science, technology and sustainability (FJN) at European XFEL

Since summer 2024, it is now possible to do a voluntary year at our EuXFEL facility. This program is intended as a gap year for high school graduates and lasts one year. If you are interested, you can find more information and experience reports from former volunteers below.

What is an FJN?

FJN stands for "Freiwilliges soziales Jahr in Wissenschaft, Technik und Nachhaltigkeit" (voluntary year in science, IT and sustainability). An FJN is a voluntary year for young adults (aged 16-26) who would like to work for a year on a voluntary basis. Most volunteers use their gap year between school and university for such an FJN, but of course other options are also possible. Each volunteer year starts on 1 September and lasts until 31 August of the following year. During this time, you work full-time in the position you have applied for, just like any other employee.

An FJN is a perfect opportunity to not only fill a gap year and enhance your CV, but also gain realistic work experience. You can enjoy working in a STEM profession and explore and deepne your interests along the way.

Main tasks

  • work as a tutor in the Xcool Lab with a focus either on physics or molecular biology (prepare courses and teach students),
  • assisting with visitors and giving guided tours at European XFEL,
  • support the organization of events and outreach activities,
  • help with the development of new interesting course offers.

What qualities you should bring

  • interest and basic knowledge in science,
  • enjoy working with young people,
  • advanced German and English skills,
  • organisational talent,
  • computer skills,
  • ability to work well in a team,
  • independence and a sense of responsibility,
  • good communication skills.

Experience Reports from former volunteers

Are you interested? Contact us for further information.

 

What we offer

  • One postition with a focus on physics and one with a focus on molecular biology,
  • 700 euros per month,
  • 30 days vacation,
  • a dynamic, multicultural and international research enviroment.

How to apply

This voluntary year is organized and ran by ijgd. You need a CV and a letter of motivation for an application. You can apply between October and March each year. Follow this link for further instructions on where and how to apply:

 

Sebastian  Frerichmann

Sebastian Frerichmann

Guest, Xcool Lab Molecular Biology , Communication Group

European XFEL GmbH
Holzkoppel 4
22869 Schenefeld
Germany

Sarah Aretz

Sarah Aretz

Deputy Group Leader Communications , Communication Group

European XFEL GmbH
Holzkoppel 4
22869 Schenefeld
Germany