Scientist/Researcher for Table-top Soft X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Part-time

Job Overview

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 %

Job ID:

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• Completed university degree in physics, with practical experience in high‑harmonic sources, ultrafast spectroscopy and/or computational imaging;
• Profound skills in experimental work with lasers, EUV/soft X‑ray radiation and/or advanced programming skills;
• Motivated to develop and establish novel imaging techniques;
• Willingness to work in an interdisciplinary team;
• 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: ‑818.)

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