PostDoc at the P05 Nano-Tomography Endstation

Work group

Institute of Materials Physics

Area of research

Scientific / postdoctoral posts

Starting date

Job description

PostDoc at the P05 Nano-Tomography Endstation
Job ID: 940
Location: Hamburg
Application deadline: 01/21/2026

Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon operates an outstation at DESY in Hamburg to provide access to highly brilliant synchrotron radiation within its German Engineering Materials Science Center (GEMS). At the PETRA III synchrotron radiation source, Hereon jointly operates several beamlines. The Imaging Beamline P05 is optimized for micro- and nanotomography techniques with a strong focus on material science and life science applications. The full field nanoCT setup is one of the fastest worldwide due to its unique geometry and beam characteristics. It allows ultra-fast in-situ measurements as well as highest spatial and density resolution. Additionally, the highly coherent beam enables the application of phase contrast methods with a spatial resolution below 50 nm.

Join the Cluster of Excellence "BlueMat: Water-Driven Materials" ( and contribute to one of Europe’s most exciting research initiatives using worldwide unique imaging infrastructure.

Collaborate with a dynamic, interdisciplinary team that combines science, sustainability, and technology to create a better future. Help shape the next generation of sustainable materials inspired by nature’s most powerful resource: water.

This full‑time (39 hours/week) position is initially limited to 3 years and might be extended. Equal opportunity is an important part of our personnel policy. We would therefore strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the position.

As a postdoctoral researcher at P05 Imaging Beamline in the BlueMat Project Imaging, you will develop and advance imaging techniques.

Your tasks

• Design and implementation of multimodal imaging concepts at the nanotomography station of P05
• Development and adaptation of the existing in‑situ nanotomography setups, fulfilling the demands of water‑driven materials
• Design of experiments and support of users (from within and outside of BlueMat) before, during and after their beam times
• Scientific & technical advancement, i.e. active acquisition of scientific collaborations within BlueMat, implementation of new sample environments according to the demand of the user community, exploration of new optical concepts for X‑ray nanotomography
• Advancing your own scientific project within the scope of BlueMat, taking advantage of the collaborative network within the excellence cluster

Your profile

• PhD in physics or in a related discipline
• Experience in phase contrast or coherent X‑ray imaging
• Advanced programming skills in a high‑level computer language (Python or related)
• Hands‑on experience with instrumentation development
• Excellent oral and written English skills
• Collaborative mindset

Skills and knowledge considered as assets

• Working experience at a synchrotron radiation beamline
• Hands‑on experience in X‑ray microscopy techniques, X‑ray diffraction or X‑ray fluorescence
• Working knowledge of image processing e.g. using machine learning
• German skills

We offer you

• An exciting and varied job in a research centre with around 1,000 employees from more than 60 nations
• A well‑connected research campus (public transport) and best networking opportunities, subsidy for the Deutschlandticket if certain conditions are met (job ticket)
• Individual opportunities for further training
• Social benefits according to the collective agreement of the public service and remuneration up to pay group 13 according to TV EntgO Bund
• An excellent technical infrastructure and modern workplace equipment
• 6 weeks holiday per year; company holidays between Christmas and New Year's Day
• Very good compatibility of private and professional life; offers of mobile and flexible work
• Free assistance program for employees (EAP)
• Corporate benefits

Severely disabled persons and those equaling severely disabled persons who are equally suitable for the position will be considered preferentially within the framework of legal requirements.

Interested? We are looking forward to receiving your application. Apply now! jobs2.hereon.de/default/job/PostDoc-at-the-P05-Nano-Tomography-Endstation/940-en_US

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.