Enlightening Science
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.

For our Lasers group we are looking for a

Laser Scientist (f/m/d)

The Position
Working closely with other laser specialists at EuXFEL Laser Group, the candidate will:
  • speedily acquire a thorough understanding of the laser systems and sub-systems in operation as well as associated control hard- and software
  • assure reliable routine user operation of the pump-probe lasers through on-call duty and shift work, if necessary
  • support our continuous improvement process (CIP) by designing and implementing optical and opto-mechanical components and assemblies
  • perform maintenance and repair of ultrashort pulse and high power laser systems
  • select, acquire and manage spare parts and assemblies
  • perform R&D activities at the EuXFEL Laser Group, aiming at testing and characterizing broad- and narrowband high-field THz and mid-IR sources
  • assist the laser-based THz implementation at EuXFEL instruments during the strategy project and beyond
Requirements
  • a degree and PhD in physics, ultrafast science and photonics or a similar discipline
  • a broad theoretical and practical knowledge base and proven hands-on experience with all relevant high power and ultrafast laser-technologies and associated measurement and characterization methods
  • hands-on experience with operation of pump-probe lasers at user facilities such as the EuXFEL
  • at least several years of hands-on experience with laser-based THz-generation and streaking setups for FEL timing diagnostics
  • at least several years of experience with ultrafast light-matter interaction spanning the spectral range from THz radiation to soft and hard X-rays, including instrumentation development at facility level
  • at least multiple years of experience with maintenance and service of InnoSlab burst-mode booster amplifiers
  • excellent collaboration skills and the ability to work in a multi-lingual, multi-disciplinary team, with English as the working language

For additional information, please contact Maximilian Lederer (max.lederer@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 on our Career Page.

Reference Number
S-608

Duration
Permanent
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 and participate in our international networks. Experience our atmosphere of tolerance and respect.

Salary and benefits are similar to those of public service organizations in Germany, this includes for example:
  • family friendly working environment (e.g. additional childcare days)
  • flexible working times and option for work from home depending on tasks
  • 30 days of vacation, 24th and 31st of December are free as a courtesy of the employer 
  • extensive relocation benefits 
  • generous company pension scheme (6,45% of monthly salary)
  • monthly social events and subsidized company restaurant 
  • partially financed job-tickets for public transportation
  • extensive training opportunities incl. subsidized English and German language classes
  • Easy and free access to a mental health platform to support your wellbeing
Our company language is English.

Application
Please provide your CV and a motivation letter in English as well as any reference letters.

The European XFEL GmbH is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and we promote and support diverse and heterogenous teams. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference over other equally qualified applicants.

Application Deadline: 07/10/2025