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 FXE group, we are looking for an

Instrument Scientist (f/m/d)

The Position
  • Participation in development and operation of the FXE instrumentation
  • Development of in-house research activities together with the FXE group and external collaborators
  • Active support of the FXE instrument operation, in particular during user experiments 
Requirements
  • PhD degree in physics, chemistry or equivalent
  • Highly motivated for independent research involving instrumentation and methodology development but also exploring novel applications broadly related to probing structural and electronic dynamics in condensed phase systems
  • Ability to work independently within a larger team, frequently outside usual office working hours (during shift work periods working times include nights and weekends)
  • Experience with X-ray spectroscopy and/or X-ray scattering techniques with an understanding of ultrafast X-ray experiments are required
  • Good track-record of previous experience using XFEL or synchrotron radiation at large-scale facilities and/or experience in working at beamlines
  • Familiarity with any of the following fields would be considered an asset: femtosecond optical lasers, X-ray spectrometers, X-ray detectors, sample delivery, programming skills, and analysis of large data sets

For additional information, please contact Christpher Milne (christopher.milne@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-605

Duration
This position is limited to 3 years, with the possibility of a 2-year extension.
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: 14/10/2025