Student – Tour Guides (f/m/d) for the Lighthouse Visitor Centre

Tour Guides (f/m/d) for the Lighthouse Visitor Centre

Apply for the Tour Guides role at European XFEL , an international non‑profit company located in the Hamburg area, Germany. European XFEL operates a 3.4 km‑long X‑ray laser that delivers unprecedented X‑ray quality for research in physics, chemistry, life sciences, and materials science. The Lighthouse Visitor Centre informs the public about the facility and its research.

Responsibilities

• Work as a tour guide in the Lighthouse after receiving training from communication and outreach staff.
• Introduce visitors to the European XFEL facility, explaining its operation and the research conducted, either as an exhibition highlight tour or a presentation.
• Guide tours of the experiment hall, providing information and answering questions.
• Ensure participants comply with safety and access rules.
• Encourage participants to complete evaluation surveys.
• Work at the information desk of the Lighthouse after training.
• Act as a first contact for visitors to the Lighthouse, providing directions and answering questions.
• Respond to telephone and email enquiries.
• Provide information about other public outreach activities and events.
• Assist Lighthouse staff in managing bookings, tours and visits to the X‑cool Lab.
• Assist with maintaining tour equipment and marketing supplies.
• Possibly contribute to other outreach programmes and events both on and off campus.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled university student or graduate with a Bachelor or Master in a subject related to European XFEL, such as physics, chemistry, structural biology, materials science, or science teaching.
• Interest in guiding school and university students as well as members of the public.
• Ability to communicate the science behind the facility in an easy‑to‑understand way and to speak in front of larger groups.
• Organisational, communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work in a team, independence, and a sense of responsibility.
• Fluency in German (C1) and a working knowledge of English (leading tours in both languages is an asset).
• Interest in a student job or mini‑job.
• Readiness to work on a flexible schedule, including weekends and outside standard office hours.
• For students applying for a working‑student position, remaining enrolled for at least one more year is preferred. Please include the expected completion date of your studies in your cover letter.

What We Offer

• 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, 24 th and 31 st 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 subsidised company restaurant.
• Partially financed job tickets for public transportation.
• Extensive training opportunities, including subsidised English and German language classes.
• Easy and free access to a mental health platform to support your well‑being.

Reference number: X-414

Duration: Initially limited to 1 year, an extension is possible, subject to later decision.

Important note: A valid work permit for Germany is required for non‑EU citizens. Applications without a valid work permit and sufficient German language skills may not be considered.