PhD Student for High-field THz Sources and THz Science (f/m/d) - part-time (29,25 hrs/week)

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 Lasers group we are looking for

aPhD Student for High-field THz Sources and THz Science (f/m/d) - part-time (29,25 hrs/week

)

The Positi

onIn line with “Strategy 2030+”, European XFEL moves to broaden its scientific scope by providing intense THz and mid-IR radiation in combination with ultrashort X-ray pulses. Consequently, the Lasers Group (LAS) is working on the design and implementation of laser-based THz sources with parameters, defined by the users’ requirement

s.

The PhD project will be collaboratively hosted by LAS and the Femtosecond X-ray Experiments (FXE) instrument. We aim at developing novel high-field THz and mid-IR light sources, which greatly enhance our ability to address scientific cases in strong-field THz and X-ray science at FXE and other instruments. In particular, the THz-driven control of magnetic solids and the THz-induced molecular orientational ordering in liquids are envisaged as the testbed studies of the developed THz/mid-IR sources at F

XE.

The tasks and responsibilities of the successful PhD candidate are as foll

• ows:Acquire extensive hands-on expertise with handling of ultrafast lasers, including characterization techniques as well as post-compression using Herriott multi-pass c
• ellsDevelopment, installation and characterization of laser-driven THz sources based on organic crystals and inorganic Li
• NbO3Mid-IR generation using intra-pulse difference frequency generation (DFG) of broadband non-collinear OPA pulses at 800 nm as well as post-compressed high-energy pulses from laser amplifiers at
• 1 µmPerforming proof-of-concept characterization measurements experiments at a table-top level, benchmarking the developed THz and mid-IR sources in the R&D labs of LAS
• /FXEImplementation of selected THz and mid-IR light sources at the FXE instru
• mentConducting scientifically relevant experiments on liquids and magnetic materials using THz pump/X-ray probe measurem
• entsPublication of the obtained scientific results and their dissemination at national and international conferences and works

hops

Require

• mentsA MSc degree in physics, chemistry, optics & photonics, or a closely related subject is req
• uiredPrevious hands-on work experience with femtosecond lasers and related characterization techniques is an
• assetPrevious knowledge in nonlinear optics and/or THz radiation generation/characterization is welcomed and considered a strong adva
• ntageBasic knowledge in ultrafast science phenomena and condensed matter ph
• ysicsFluent English (good verbal and written communications skills) is req
• uiredStrong communication skills, enthusiasm for collaborative and interdisciplinary res

earch

For additional information, please contact Dr. Ilie Radu ([email protected]) or Dr. Christopher 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.

Ou

r offerBecome 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 r

espect.

Work-life balance & fle

• xibilityA family-friendly working environment (e.g. additional childca
• re days)Flexible working hours and options to work from home (depending on your role an
• d tasks)30 days of paid vacation, plus December 24th and 31st off (granted by the e

mployer)Compensation & long-term

• securityTransparent compensation aligned with public service organizations in
• GermanySalary: min. 13/1 with 4,901.11 € - max 13/2 with 5,279.32 € (values for full time will be adjusted according to the part-time model); the actual level is defined by the individual work experience, here is the link to the current valid tari
• ff tableDepending on the pay group, we offer an annual special payment of 75-95% of one month’
• s salaryPartially funded public transportation Deutschla
• ndticketGenerous company pension scheme (6.45% of your monthly

salary)Support from

• day oneExtensive relocation benefits to help you settle in
• smoothlyEnglish as company language, enabling easy collaboration in our international env

ironmentLearning, wellbeing & c

• ommunityExtensive training opportunities, including subsidized English and German language
• coursesSubsidized sports membership with access to over 7,000 spo
• rt clubsMonthly social events and company restaurant with employee d
• iscountsFree access to a professional mental health support

platform

Reference numb

er: S-662Duration: This appointment is initially limited to to

3 years.

A

pplicationPlease apply online and provide your CV and a motivation letter in English as well as any referenc

e 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 a

pplicants.

Deadline: 3

0 July 2026Europea

n XFEL GmbHHolzkoppel 4, 22869 Schenefe

ld, Germany

www.xfel.eu