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 a

PhD student on laser imprint at the HED instrument (f/m/d) - 29,25 hours/week

The Position

The PhD student will work on laser imprint and ablator physics related to inertial confinement fusion. The student will be in charge of:

Numerical modeling using FLASH code to prepare and dimension experiments
Experimental design and setup of laser imprint experiments with DIPOLE laser
Analysis and interpretation of the experimental data.
Publication of the results in peer reviewed journals
Dissemination of the scientific results at national and international conferences and workshops
Preparation of PhD thesis and participation in the PhD program of European XFEL

Requirements

Master degree in physics (a background in one or more of the following thematic is considered an asset: plasma physics, hydrodynamics, inertial confinement fusion, laser physics, X-ray science )
Familiarity with X-ray imaging techniques and VISAR analysis
Fluent level of English is necessary (our working language)
Language skills in french and/or german are considered an asset

The PhD candidate will be registered at Paris-Saclay doctoral school and work place will be in Hamburg

For additional information, please contact Victorien Bouffetier (victorien.bouffetier@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-646

Duration

This appointment is limited to 3 years.

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: 25/05/2026

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