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

Overview

For our Undulator Systems group we are looking for an 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.

Responsibilities

• 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
• Establish Manufacturing Process Development
• Complete and defend doctoral thesis

Qualifications

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

Desired assets

• 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

Become part of a vibrant international and multi‑cultural 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.

Benefits

• 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 wellbeing

Our company language is English.