Scientist / Researcher for Table-top Soft X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Part-time 65 % 26.39-4207

The Helmholtz Institute Jena (HI Jena) is a joint institution of the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena and the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research GmbH in Darmstadt. The institute is mainly focused on applied and fundamental research at the borderline of high-power lasers and particle accelerators.

For a doctoral position in the institute’s “Soft X-ray Spectroscopy and Microscopy” working group, we are looking for a

Scientist / Researcher

for Table-top Soft X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy

Part-time 65%

Recent developments enabled compact but powerful coherent soft X-ray sources driven by high-power femtosecond lasers. These compact sources open new opportunities in nanoscale imaging and in observing ultrafast dynamics on the nanoscale.

You will advance the current state-of-the-art by exploring novel experimental and algorithmic approaches enabling spectroscopy and imaging of quantum materials and biological samples with extreme spatial and temporal resolution.

The work at the Helmholtz Institute Jena will focus on

• Exploring novel concepts for ultrafast imaging and spectroscopy with soft X-rays
• Advancing table-top soft X-ray ptychography with multiplex and correlative approaches
• Developing advanced computational imaging algorithms
• Proof-of-principle experiments on complex nanomaterials and biological samples

We are looking for candidates

• with a completed university degree in physics, and practical experience in high harmonic sources, ultrafast spectroscopy and/or computational imaging,
• who bring in profound skills in experimental work with lasers, EUV/soft X-ray radiation and/or advanced programming skills,
• who wants to be engaged in developing and establishing novel imaging techniques,
• who like to work in an interdisciplinary team,
• and possesses excellent communication skills in English and German.

What we offer:

A fixed-term 3-year contract embedded in Germany’s largest research foundation, with the salary and benefits based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund) effective at GSI. The position will be established in Jena.

GSI promotes the professional development of women and expressly welcomes applications from women. Handicapped persons will be preferentially considered when equally qualified.

Information about the Helmholtz Institute Jena, GSI and FAIR is available at and

For any questions please contact Dr. Jan Rothhardt ( , Phone: .)

If you find this position interesting, please submit your full application documents, including your desired salary, your earliest possible starting date and the posting ID by April 27, 2026 at the latest

via our online portal:

Online-Bewerbungsportal

GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH
Abteilung Personal
Planckstrasse 1
64291 Darmstadt