PhD student in Strong-field QED Experiments

For our location in Hamburg we are seeking:

Remuneration Group 13 | Limited: 3 years | Starting date: earliest possible | /2026 | Deadline: 21.06.2026 | 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.

The FTX group shapes the physics case and develops detector technologies and concepts for future accelerator-based particle physics experiments. It has strong expertise in the preparations for a future electron-positron collider and its detectors as well as for laser-electron experiments to study Quantum Electrodynamics in the yet unexplored regime of strong fields. PhD students in FTX become members of the PIER graduate school and through this receive offers for academic training, soft skills, and career planning.

In the context of the ERC Synergy project NP-QED, DESY will plan and conduct experiments to probe strong-field QED up to the non-perturbative regime using electron beams and intense laser boosted by plasma mirrors. The FTX group is driving the development of key parts of the experiment, designing and building the detection systems based on detailed simulations of the strong-field QED processes.

Among the applications of strong-field QED is the collision of highly focused electron and positron beams in future high-energy colliders, where it influences the experimental environment in terms of background conditions and the luminosity spectrum.

• Simulate strong-field QED effects in laser-electron collisions
• Develop an optimised detection systems based on simulations and test measurement campaigns
• Conduct measurement campaigns at CEA Saclay and DESY
• Analyse the resulting data and evaluate the impact on the design of high-energy colliders

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.

• Advanced knowledge in particle physics as well as in detectors and/or accelerators
• Experience in programming (C++, python, ... ) and hands‑on laboratory work
• Team ability and very good English language skills

For further information please contact Jenny List at  ().

DESY in Hamburg does not grant doctoral degrees directly but collaborates with the University of Hamburg. Candidates for thesis research will have to satisfy the terms of admission for doctoral theses of the University of Hamburg. PhD students receive a monthly salary of 67% of the payment of the remuneration group 13 TVöD (Federal Government).

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.

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