PhD Student for HTS Undulator (f/m/d)

Job Description

Organization: European XFEL GmbH

Location: Schenefeld (Hamburg Metropolitan Area), Germany

The European XFEL is seeking a PhD Student to contribute to the development of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tape-based undulators for synchrotron and free-electron laser (FEL) applications. HTS materials such as REBCO tapes provide a pathway to significantly higher magnetic field strengths compared with conventional permanent-magnet undulators and low-temperature superconducting undulators, enabling more compact light sources and higher photon beam brilliance.

The project focuses on advancing HTS-based undulator technologies to enhance X-ray energy ranges and improve accelerator-based photon sources. The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary environment involving superconductivity, accelerator physics, and advanced magnet design.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimize the design of HTS undulator coils.
• Model electromagnetic behavior of HTS materials and devices.
• Investigate quench behavior and develop protection strategies.
• Prepare prototypes and contribute to experimental validation and analysis.
• Develop manufacturing processes for HTS undulator components.
• Complete and defend a doctoral thesis based on the research outcomes.

Required Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing or constructing experimental devices.
• Knowledge of superconducting magnets, accelerator physics, or undulator technology.
• Hands-on experience with cryogenic systems and magnetic field measurements.
• Experience with numerical modeling tools such as COMSOL, ANSYS, CST, or similar multiphysics/FEM software.
• Programming experience in Python, MATLAB, or other scientific computing environments.
• Knowledge of magnetic field simulations.

Employment Conditions

• Part-time doctoral position (29.25 hours per week).
• Fixed-term contract of 3 years.
• Salary and benefits aligned with German public service standards.
• Benefits include flexible working hours, relocation support, pension scheme contributions, language courses, and professional development opportunities.

Work Environment

The European XFEL offers a vibrant international and multicultural research environment. Employees benefit from extensive training opportunities, a family-friendly workplace, subsidized public transport, and access to wellness and mental health resources.