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 HED group, we are looking for an
Instrument Scientist and Operations Leader for Diamond Anvil Cell experiments (f/m/d)
The Position
Instrument Scientist:
- Act as a link between instrument scientists, international users, and the HIBEF user consortium; act as local contact (LC)
- Participate in shift work at the instrument for user and internal activities
- Take a leading role in Diamond Anvil Cell (DAC) research and developments at the HED-HIBEF instrument, and DAC installation for user experiments
- Coordinate the implementation, commissioning and operation of DAC activities, in particular the future transition of the platform to the XHS instrument
- Take over general Operation Leader tasks, such as scheduling, facility internal coordination, hutch access, documentation, information exchange and reporting in group meetings
Requirements
Instrument Scientist:
- PhD in experimental physics
- Extensive experience working at an X-ray user facility, including carrying out own research and supporting user experiments
- Passionate about working on cutting edge creative science in competent working environment
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a multi-lingual, multidisciplinary team with good written and oral English skills
- A structured and self-reliant work mode
- Broad knowledge of X-ray techniques applicable to HED science and their use in DA research (X-ray heating, laser heating, dDAC, X-ray imaging)
- Experience with optical alignment and operation of IR laser heating set-ups for DAC research
- Knowledge of data analysis methods for X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray imaging, and optical pyrometry
- Scientific background and publication record (first author) in XFEL DAC experiments
- Expertise in the detector calibration pipelines at European XFEL or equivalent
Reference Number
S-630
Duration
The position as Instrument Scientist is permanent. The role of Operations Leader is initially limited to 2 years and can become permanent thereafter.
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
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:
25/02/2026 