Scientist as postdoctoral researcher for laser-driven X-ray source development

September 19, 2024

Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY

Hamburg

OTHER

Limited: 3 years | Starting date: earliest possible | ID: MMA055/2024 | Deadline: 27.09.2024 | Full-time/Part-time
DESY, with more than 3000 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.

Laser-plasma-based particle accelerators can generate 100 Me V-scale electron beams in only millimeter acceleration lengths. Leveraging inverse Compton scattering allows turning these compact sources of energetic electrons into metre-scale sources of X-ray radiation with tens to hundreds of ke V photons. With their demonstrated ability to drive novel medical imaging modalities such as X-ray fluorescence imaging, such ultra-compact high energy X-ray sources are also an exciting prospect for industrially relevant applications. As part of HI ACTS, we will develop a robust, all-optical high energy X-ray source and make it available to test novel industrial concepts, such as imaging modalities of static or rapidly evolving objects/phenomena at a very early stage. In this context, we are looking for a postdoc to work on developing and demonstrating the laser-plasma-accelerator-driven high energy X-ray source and its application for industrially relevant imaging. The successful applicant will also work developing the required technology to push the repetition rate of the source to kilohertz level.

About your role:

Development of a compact, robust laser plasma accelerator
Development of a novel laser-driven high energy inverse Compton scattering X-ray source
Demonstration of industrially relevant X-ray imaging performance
Development of technologies required for increasing repetition rate to kilohertz level

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.

About you:

Ph D in physics or a relevant field
Several years of experience in the field of experimental high-intensity laser-plasma physics
Experience in developing laser-plasma-accelerator-driven electron and X-ray sources
lnterest in developing laser-plasma-accelerator-driven practical applications
Team ability and very good command of the English language

For further information please contact Kristjan Poder at +49 40 8998-4992, kristjan.poder@desy.de.
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

DESY promotes equal opportunities and diversity. The professional development of women is very important to us and therefore we strongly encourage women to apply for the vacant position. Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preference if they are equally qualified (sbv.desy.de).

You can find further information here:
https://www.desy.de/career/

Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
Personalabteilung
Notkestraße 85
22607 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 8998-3392