Accelerator Scientist with Expertise in X-Band Technology

For our location in Hamburg we are seeking:

# Accelerator Scientist with Expertise in X-Band Technology and Energy Compression for PETRA IV

### Limited: 2 years | Starting date: earliest possible | ID: MMA048/2026 | Deadline: 15.10.2026 | Full-time/Part-time | Remote work possible

DESY, with more than 2900 employees at its two locations in Hamburg and Zeuthen, is one of the world's leading research centres. Its research focuses on decoding the structure and function of matter, from the smallest particles of the universe to the building blocks of life. In this way, DESY contributes to solving the major questions and urgent challenges facing science, society and industry. With its ultramodern research infrastructure, its interdisciplinary research platforms and its international networks, DESY offers a highly attractive working environment in the fields of science, technology and administration as well as for the education of highly qualified young scientists.

DESY expands its research on novel laser-plasma accelerators (LPAs) for future applications in health, photon science, and particle physics. At the core of these activities is the development of a plasma-based injector for the synchrotron light source PETRA IV. In this context, we are searching for a highly-motivated scientist to develop an energy compression beamline for the future PETRA IV plasma injector. More information about PETRA IV: [PETRA IV](https://cockpit.as-mediendesign.de/jump1/131517/2/696)

## About your role:

- Contribute to the development of the plasma injector

- Review the concept and design of the current x-band based dechirper

- Work with other DESY groups, suppliers, and other labs to obtain and test x-band hardware

- Perform a feasibility study; revise the design if necessary or suggest different RF technology basis

- Build a prototype energy compressor for GeV class LPA electron beams

## About you:

- Completed university studies in physics (PhD) with a focus on accelerator physics or a comparable qualification

- Track record in accelerator physics and deep knowledge in RF technology, preferably x-band

- Experience with simulation codes, such as elegant, to model the beam dynamics

- Hands-on experience building accelerators

- Experience with driving a difficult research project is desirable

- Experience with plasma acceleration is a bonus

- Excellent English and strong teamwork skills

## Good reasons to join:

Look forward to a unique working environment on our international research campus. Respectful cooperation and the well-being of our DESY employees are particularly important to us. Gender equality is an important aspect for us. To support work life balance we offer flexible working hours, variable part-time, job-sharing models and participation in mobile work (up to 50%). You will benefit from our family-friendly and collegial atmosphere, our established health management and occupational pension provision. As a public funded employer, we offer you a secure workplace and facilitate your individual career with our comprehensive training and development opportunities. Remuneration is according to the regulations of the TV‑AVH. DESY offers its employees a financial supplement for a German job ticket (Deutschland-Ticket) at both locations.

**For further information please contact Andreas Maier at** [**+49 40 8998‑6687**](https://tel:+494089986687 "telefonisch Kontakt aufnehmen")**,** [**[email protected]**](mailto:[email protected])

Please submit your complete application documents (letter of motivation, CV and relevant certificates).

We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal:

[Apply now!](https://cockpit.as-mediendesign.de/jump1/131517)

DESY promotes equal opportunities, [diversity and inclusion](https://cockpit.as-mediendesign.de/jump1/131517/2/2544). We therefore welcome applications from people of all dimensions of diversity. The [professional development of women](https://cockpit.as-mediendesign.de/jump1/131517/2/2820) is very important to us and therefore we strongly encourage women to apply for the vacant position. Applications from severely disabled persons and those with equivalent status will be given preference if they are equally qualified ([sbv.desy.de](https://cockpit.as-mediendesign.de/jump1/131517/2/780)).

You can find further information here:

[https://www.desy.de/career/apprenticeship/](https://cockpit.as-mediendesign.de/jump1/131517/2/3781)

Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY

Human Resources Department | Notkestraße 85 | 22607 Hamburg

Phone: [+49 40 8998‑3392](https://tel:+494089983392 "telefonisch Kontakt aufnehmen")