Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
4 days ago
PhD position: Attosecond X-ray interferometry Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) in Germany
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Nov 26, 2026
Country
Germany
University
Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
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About this position
DESY in Hamburg is offering a PhD position in Attosecond X-ray Interferometry within the Advanced Multilayer X-ray Optics group at CFEL. This project sits at the intersection of X-ray optics, ultrafast science, imaging, and instrumentation, and is part of a collaborative effort between Hamburg and Trento.
The research aims to combine advanced X-ray lenses and gratings with attosecond-duration X-ray laser pulses in order to image, understand, and ultimately control electron dynamics in molecular systems. The successful candidate will develop an attosecond X-ray interferometer and test low-aberration multilayer Laue lens (MLL) systems for XFELs, while also contributing to new interferometric methodologies using laboratory sources, synchrotrons, and XFEL facilities.
This is a highly experimental and method-driven PhD project with opportunities to conduct scientific experiments at a range of X-ray facilities and to communicate results through publications and presentations. The topic is especially relevant for candidates interested in X-ray optics, ultrafast dynamics, advanced imaging, and the development of novel instrumentation for future X-ray science.
Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold a Master’s degree in physics, applied physics, or a related field. DESY asks for strong interest in X-ray optics, imaging, interferometry, and instrumentation, as well as analytical, quantitative, computational, or instrumentation-related expertise. Good Python programming skills and strong English communication skills are required. Candidates must also satisfy the University of Hamburg’s admission conditions for doctoral theses, as DESY in Hamburg does not award doctoral degrees directly.
Funding and employment: PhD students receive a salary equivalent to 67% of TVöD group 13 (Federal Government), with remuneration according to TV-AVH and a financial supplement for the Deutschland-Ticket. The position is limited to 2 + 1 years and can start as early as possible.
Application: the deadline is 2026-11-26. Applicants should submit a motivation letter, CV, relevant certificates, and two reference letters through the DESY application portal.
Supervision and contact: for further information, contact Dr. Saša Bajt at [email protected]. DESY promotes equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion, and particularly encourages applications from women and from severely disabled persons with equivalent status.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in physics, applied physics or a related field. Strong interest in X-ray optics, imaging, instrumentation and interferometric methods is required, along with expertise in analytical, quantitative, instrumentation or computational methods. Good programming skills in Python and excellent verbal and written English communication skills are expected, as well as strong interpersonal and communication skills. Candidates for thesis research must satisfy the terms of admission for doctoral theses of the University of Hamburg.
How to apply
Submit a complete application via the DESY application portal. Include a motivation letter, CV, relevant certificates, and two letters of reference. Use the online tool provided for submitting reference letters.
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.