[Translate to English:] (Senior) Research Software Engineer für Adaptive Laser Architecture Con[...]

The GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung in Darmstadt operates one of the leading particle accelerators for science. Currently, the new FAIR (F acility for A ntiproton and I on R esearch) one of the world's largest research projects, is under construction through international cooperation. GSI and FAIR offer the opportunity to work in this international environment with a team of employees committed to world‑class science.Plasma Physics department at GSI develops and operates PHELIX, a high‑power, high‑energy laser as an experimental infrastructure for laser–plasma‑and fusion energy research. Within the project ALADIN (Adaptive Laser Architecture Development and INtegration) , we are building COALA (Controller for Adaptive Laser Architecture), a modular software framework to coordinate real‑time beam diagnostics, actuators and feedback control along high‑energy laser chains. COALA will interface with established control frameworks and will be implemented and validated on our dedicated experimental testbed. In the long term, ALADIN addresses the requirements of future inertial‑confinement‑fusion laser systems , where many high‑power beamlines must operate with unprecedented stability and reproducibility – from source to target.

For questions, please contact Dr. Jonas Ohland ( , Tel. ).

The Plasma Physics department offers a full‑time position for a (Senior) Research Software Engineer for Adaptive Laser Architecture Control (all genders) Posting ID: to be filled as soon as possible.

Your tasks

• Translate project goals and scientific workflows into clear software requirements together with physicists and control/automation engineers.
• Define and develop the COALA architecture, including data models, modular services, and scalable interfaces.
• Implement core COALA components, from communication layers to integration modules for diagnostics, actuators and external control systems (e.g., TANGO Controls, EPICS).
• Establish robust engineering practices (documentation, testing, CI/CD, version control) and integrate/validate COALA on the LAOTSE laser‑beam control testbed; contribute to scaling the approach towards full ALA systems and to project documentation and reports.

Your Profile

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in physics, computer science, or engineering; PhD welcome but not required.
• Several years (typically 3+ years) of experience in scientific/technical software development, ideally for experimental or control systems.
• Very good Python skills and experience designing modular, extensible software and APIs.
• Experience with software architecture, distributed systems and Linux environments.
• Solid software engineering practices: Git, code reviews, automated testing, CI/CD and documentation.
• Comfortable working in a greenfield setting, clarifying incomplete specifications with domain experts, and communicating across disciplines (excellent English required; German is a plus). Familiarity with TANGO Controls, EPICS, or a compiled language (e.g., C++/Rust) is beneficial, or strong motivation to learn.
• Nice to have: interest in optics/laser systems or control engineering; experience with real‑time, high‑throughput or data‑intensive systems; contributions to open‑source oriented or collaborative projects.

We offer

• A greenfield opportunity to build COALA as central software infrastructure from scratch, with real ownership over architecture and key design decisions.
• Work at the interface of software engineering, real‑time control, and high‑power laser physics, including validation on a dedicated experimental testbed (LAOTSE).
• Flexible working conditions (up to 3 days remote work/week) and support for professional development (mentoring, publications, conferences).
• A unique opportunity to work in an exciting and highly‑stimulating environment within the framework of world‑leading scientific topics.

The duration of the position is limited until May 2030. The salary and benefits are based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD‑Bund) effective at GSI. GSI supports the professional development of women. Therefore, women are especially encouraged to apply for the position. Handicapped persons will be preferentially considered when equally qualified.

Further Information about FAIR and GSI is available at and

Applications should include

• a letter which exhibits the record of accomplishments and expertise as well as the candidate’s motivation
• a detailed Curriculum Vitae and List of Publications

If you find this position interesting and challenging and would like to work in an exceptional, internationally scientifically excellent environment, please send your application documents with information of your earliest possible starting date and the posting ID until March 9 at the latest via the online portal on our job site Online‑Bewerbungsportal GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH ABTEILUNG PERSONAL PLANCKSTRASSE 1 64291 DARMSTADT.

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