Work group:

ALPS

Area of research:

Scientific / postdoctoral posts

Starting date:

13.03.2026

Job description:

DESY

Together with international partners the ALPS group is realizing new experimental facilities to search for a new kind of very lightweight elementary particles, works on new concepts targeting high-frequency gravitational waves and develops related technologies.In the NEST (Nano-membrane Experiment for Space-time Tremors) project, we aim to advance nanomechanical membrane resonators beyond the current state of the art for applications in fundamental physics. By developing large-area crystalline silicon membranes with ultra-low intrinsic loss, the goal is to achieve unprecedented sensitivity for cavity optomechanical searches for new physics, including high-frequency gravitational waves and vector dark matter.

About your role:

• FEM-based design and simulation of nanomechanical resonators using COMSOL and MEEP
• Development and operation of laser-interferometric setups under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) and cryogenic conditions for the characterization of nanomechanical resonators
• Contribution to the development of the NEST prototype, an optomechanical platform for high-frequency gravitational wave and vector dark matter detection
• Coordination of work packages and contribution to grant applications
• Contribution to scientific publications and presentation of results at collaboration meetings and conferences

About you:

• Completed academic education including a doctorate (PhD) in physics or a related field, or equivalent skills and experience
• In-depth practical experience in the construction, commissioning, and operation of complex experimental setups
• Programming experience (e.g., Python, MATLAB)
• Practical experience with laser optics, vacuum technology, cryogenics, and FEM simulations is highly desirable
• Proactive working style with high level of commitment in solving complex tasks
• Strong teamwork skills in an interdisciplinary environment
• Good knowledge of English
• Knowledge of German is of advantage

Look forward to a unique working environment on our international research campus. Respectful cooperation and the well-being of our DESY employees are particularly important to us. Gender equality is an important aspect for us. To support work life balance we offer flexible working hours, variable part-time, job-sharing models and participation in mobile work (up to 50%). You will benefit from our family-friendly and collegial atmosphere, our established health management and occupational pension provision. As a public funded employer, we offer you a secure workplace and facilitate your individual career with our comprehensive training and development opportunities. Remuneration is according to the regulations of the TV-AVH. DESY offers its employees a financial supplement for a German job ticket (Deutschland-Ticket) at both locations.

We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal:

Apply now 

DESY promotes the professional development of women and therefore strongly encourages women to apply for the position to be filled. In addition, severely handicapped persons with equal aptitude are given preferential consideration. The advertised positions are basically suitable for part-time employment.

You can find further information here: www.desy.de/career/

Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
Personalabteilung | Notkestraße 85 | 22607 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 8998-3392

This research center is part of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers. With more than 42,000 employees and an annual budget of over € 5 billion, the Helmholtz Association is Germany's largest scientific organisation.