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 X-ray Photon Diagnostic (XPD) group we are looking for a:

Master Student and Master Thesis: Ultrafast X-ray free electron laser timing with THz (m/f/d)

We are looking for a Master student (m/f/d) to work as a student assistant in the X-ray Photon Diagnostic (XPD) group for 1.5 years. After these 1.5 years, the Master's thesis should also be written at EuXFEL during six months. The total duration of employment would therefore be two years. This will be covered by two contracts: the working student contract and the master's thesis contract.

• Assist in performing research and development of optical components and subsystems related to X-ray photon temporal diagnostics
• Carry out laboratory laser system-based research and numerical analysis of ultrafast science and nonlinear optics
• Generate and characterize intense laser pulses in the optical and THz frequency range, and explore potential intense THz scientific applications within and beyond the framework of temporal diagnostics
• Proof-of-concept demonstration for THz assisted X-ray FEL timing jitter and pulse duration measurement
• Develop research skills and conduct independent studies under the supervision of the academic facility staff
• The opportunity to work 20 hours per week during the initial 1.5 years of employment
• Six months for writing the Master's thesis with 39 hours per week in continuation of the student assistant employment

• Completed Bachelor's degree university studies in the field of Physics, Optics, or related fields
• Knowledge of high-power short-pulsed laser systems, nonlinear optics, or ultrafast laser science
• Expertise with the visualization of results from experiments (proficiency in scientific computational software such as Matlab, Python, etc.) and computer simulations
• The willingness and ability to work autonomously
• Good written and oral communication skills in English
• Previous experience in ultrafast laser systems, optical setup development, photoemission spectroscopy and/or other spectroscopic techniques will be an asset
• Please add a letter of motivation to your application

Become part of a vibrant international and multicultural 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 well‑being

Our company language is English.

Reference number: X-349

Duration: This appointment is limited to 2 years.