PhD Student for HTS undulator (f/m/d) – 29,25 hours/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.

PhD Student for HTS undulator (f/m/d) – 29,25 hours/week

The Position

Advance the development of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tape-based undulators for synchrotron and free‑electron laser (FEL) applications, with the potential to significantly enhance photon beam brilliance and extend the accessible X‑ray energy range. While conventional permanent‑magnet (PMUs) and low‑temperature superconducting (LTS) undulators based on NbTi are mature technologies, they are fundamentally limited in achievable magnetic field strength. HTS materials such as REBCO (Rare‑Earth Barium Copper Oxide) tapes offer a route to substantially higher magnetic fields – potentially by a factor of five with respect to PMUs and a factor of 2.5 with respect to LTS undulators – thereby enabling more compact and higher‑energy light sources.

Your tasks would include:

• Design Optimization of HTS Undulator Coils
• Modeling of HTS Electromagnetic Behavior
• Contribute to investigate Quench Behavior and Protection
• Prepare Prototypes and contribute to their Results Analysis and Experimental Validation
• Complete and defend doctoral thesis

Requirements

• Master's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Superconductivity, or a closely related field.
• Good verbal and written English communication skills

The following points are considered an asset:

• Some experience in design or construction of small devices or experiments
• Prior experience with superconducting magnets, accelerator physics, or undulator technology
• Hands‑on experience with cryogenic systems and magnetic field measurements
• Experience with numerical modeling and simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS, CST, or similar multiphysics/FEM software), in particular for magnetic field
• Programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or similar scientific computing environments
• Knowledge of magnetic field simulations

For additional information, please contact Dr. Sara Casalbuoni ( ).

Working place will be Schenefeld, in the Hamburg metropolitan area. General information on working in Germany, the Hamburger area and the European XFEL can be found under

Our offer

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
• 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

S-637

Duration

This appointment is limited to 3 years.

Application

Please apply online and provide your CV and a motivation letter in English as well as any reference 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 applicants.