Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
1 week ago
Postdoctoral Position in Laser Beam Shaping and Automation for Physics Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY in Germany
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Postdoctoral staff position at DESY; remuneration according to TV-AVH. The post is described as a secure workplace at a public-funded employer, with flexible working hours, part-time suitability, training and development opportunities, health management, occupational pension provision, and a financial supplement for the German job ticket. No stipend amount is given.
Deadline
Sep 29, 2027
Country
Germany
University
Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY

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About this position
Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY in Hamburg, Germany is advertising a postdoctoral position in Physics focused on laser science, optics, beam shaping, automation, and accelerator-related instrumentation.
The project is part of SP007 - Enabling science for 24-30 keV and aims to support science at the European XFEL by improving accelerator performance and enabling new experiments. The successful candidate will work on the design and commissioning of a next-generation laser beam shaping system, with direct impact on photocathode-related beam transport and laser quality control.
Research tasks include developing a software-controlled automated telescope system for dynamic laser beam-size adjustment, creating numerical metrics from camera images to quantify beam quality, investigating apodized beam shaping techniques, and building an AI / reinforcement learning-based alignment system using camera feedback and steering mirrors. The role also includes evaluating whether the beam shaping setup should be moved closer to the photocathode, collaborating with the DESY-MXL group and beamline scientists, and documenting and commissioning the hardware and software for routine operation.
Eligibility highlights: PhD in Physics, Optics, Laser Science, or a closely related engineering field; experience with laser systems, optical setups, beam transport and characterization; automation and hardware/software integration skills; strong Python programming ability; and the capacity to work independently on a complex technical project. Experience with machine learning or reinforcement learning and accelerator technology, especially photocathodes, is an advantage.
Funding / employment: This is a staff postdoctoral job at DESY, not a scholarship. Salary is according to TV-AVH, with additional employee benefits including flexible working hours, part-time suitability, training opportunities, health management, pension provision, and a Germany job-ticket supplement.
Location: Hamburg, Germany.
Deadline: 29 September 2027, 22:00 UTC.
How to apply: Submit the application via the DESY application portal. Further details are available on the DESY career page and the linked job offer page.
Funding details
Postdoctoral staff position at DESY; remuneration according to TV-AVH. The post is described as a secure workplace at a public-funded employer, with flexible working hours, part-time suitability, training and development opportunities, health management, occupational pension provision, and a financial supplement for the German job ticket. No stipend amount is given.
What's required
PhD in Physics, Optics, Laser Science, or a closely related engineering field. Experience with laser systems, optical setups, beam transport and characterization, automation of experimental systems, hardware control such as motorized mirrors and cameras, and software integration is required. Strong Python programming skills for data analysis, simulation, and instrument control are expected. Ability to work independently on a complex technical project is required; knowledge of machine learning or reinforcement learning for control systems and experience with accelerator technology, especially photocathodes, are advantageous. Excellent communication skills and ability to work in an international scientific team are expected.
How to apply
Apply through the DESY application portal. The posting also lists [email protected] as the contact email and provides the DESY career page for further details.
More information can be found here
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