Doctoral student Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon
Cutting-edge Research
for a Changing World
Doctoral student
Reference code: 982 – 2026/WP 2
Work location: Hamburg
Application deadline: May 10th, 2026
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon operates an outstation at DESY in Hamburg to provide access to highly brilliant synchrotron radiation within its German Engineering Materials Science Centre (GEMS). At the PETRA III synchrotron radiation source, Hereon jointly operates the High Energy Materials Science Beamline (P07/HEMS), the White Beam Engineering Materials Science Beamline (P61A/WINE), the lmaging Beamline (P05/IBL), and the Nanofocus Endstation of Micro- and Nanofocus X‑ray Scattering Beamline (P03/MINAXS), along with supporting laboratories. The techniques offered at our diffraction beamlines have a strong focus on engineering materials science.
The Doctoral Network 'ElectronsMatter', funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) of the EU, addresses critical challenges in the additive manufacturing (AM) of tungsten and tungsten alloys, a field crucial for advancing applications in energy, aerospace, and green technologies. Tungsten, with its exceptional properties such as the highest melting point of all metals and excellent resistance to wear and corrosion, is ideal for extreme environments. However, its high melting temperature and brittleness make it difficult to process using conventional methods, limiting its industrial use. This project leverages electron beam powder bed fusion (PBF-EB), an AM technology with unique capabilities for processing refractory materials like tungsten. Several institutions have joined together through 'ElectronsMatter' to investigate different aspects of Tungsten PBF-EB. At Hereon, the focus is on using high-energy synchrotron X-rays to investigate the transient behaviours happening during the process, for example, regarding molten pool shape and motion dynamics, or stress evolution during the build process. The PBF-EB sample environment 'MiniMelt', provided by network partners from KTH Stockholm, is used for in-situ AM experiments in the X-ray beam.
For this research within the European network, we are looking for a doctoral student doing experimental investigations at the Hereon outstation at DESY in Hamburg. You will work with the MiniMelt sample environment during in-situ experiments as well as experiments in the lab. You will contribute to the development of simultaneous radiography and diffraction measurement techniques with X-rays, allowing imaging of and diffraction information from the same volume. You will work together with other students in the network and take part in training activities. You will be supervised by Prof. Martin Müller (Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel) and Dr. Guilherme Abreu Faria. The appointment is full-time and initially limited to three years. The salary is determined by the EU living allowance (4,058 € per month) plus an additional mobility allowance (710 € per month) and, if applicable, a family allowance (660 € per month). These are gross figures and include taxes and social security contributions.
The position is full-time (39 hours/week) and initially limited to three years. Equal opportunity is an important part of our personnel policy. We would therefore strongly encourage qualified women to apply for the position.
EU requirements:
- You must not already possess a doctoral degree on the date of recruitment.
- Mobility Rule: Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.
- Doctoral candidates must be willing to be seconded to two additional project partners for one month each in fulfilment of the grant requirements.
Your tasks
- Produce samples with the MiniMelt.
- Post-build ex-situ analyses of samples using diffraction and imaging.
- Further development of the technique of simultaneous diffraction and radiography at beamline P61A.
- Carry out additional experiments at our beamlines, e.g. to study effects of cyclic heating during building of a sample layer-by-layer.
- Work together with other students and researchers in the Doctoral Network.
- Evaluate and interpret data using existing or own software.
- Present results on conferences and publish results in scientific journals.
Your profile
Required qualifications:
- Master's degree in physics, materials science or a related discipline
- Experience with X-ray diffraction techniques applied to metallic materials
- Technical skills with research equipment and experience in experimental research
- Programming skills and experience with the analysis of large amounts of data
- Ability to work independently and interact with an international team
- Excellent communication skills
- Excellent oral and written English skills
Qualifications considered an asset:
- Experience with diffraction experiments at synchrotrons
- Background in metallurgy and metallic materials manufacturing methods
- Experience with metallographic specimen preparation and electron microscopy
- Experience with computational modelling, either related to materials behaviour or to X-ray scattering techniques
- Good German language skills
For questions, contact Dr. Peter Staron (peter.staron@hereon.de).
Your application must include a motivation letter explaining the fit to the requirements, CV, certificates and grades of B.Sc. and, if available, M.Sc. degrees and transcripts.
We offer you
- an exciting and varied job in a research centre with around 1,000 employees from more than 60 nations
- a well-connected research campus (public transport) and best networking opportunities, subsidy for the Deutschlandticket if certain conditions are met (job ticket)
- individual opportunities for further training
- social benefits according to the collective agreement of the public service and remuneration up to pay group 13 according to TV EntgO Bund
- an excellent technical infrastructure and modern workplace equipment
- 6 weeks holiday per year; company holidays between Christmas and New Year's Day
- very good compatibility of private and professional life; offers of mobile and flexible work
- family-friendly company policy with childcare facilities, e.g. nursery close to the company
- free assistance program for employees (EAP)
- corporate benefit
- a varied offer in the canteen on campus
Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon
The Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon conducts cutting-edge international research for a changing world: Around 1,000 employees contribute to the tackling of climate change, the sustainable use of the world's coastal systems and the resource-compatible enhancement of the quality of life. From fundamental research to practical applications, the interdisciplinary research spectrum covers a unique range.
Institute of Materials Physics
The Institute of Materials Physics operates instruments on large-scale equipment for structural investigations of materials and works on the development and characterization of novel light-weight materials for high-temperature applications, for example in aircraft turbines and automotive engines. Hereon has a unique infrastructure for complementary materials research with photons and neutrons.
Interested?
Then we are looking forward to receiving your comprehensive application documents (cover letter, CV, transcripts, certificates, etc.) indicating the reference number 2026/WP 2 until May 10th, 2026.
Severely disabled persons and those equaling severely disabled persons who are equally suitable for the position will be considered preferentially within the framework of legal requirements.
Max-Planck-Straße 1
21502 Geesthacht
www.hereon.de
Kennziffer
2026/WP 2
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