PhD student Position at PITZ: Radiobiology and Nanotechnology
Its research focuses on decoding the structure and function of matter, from the smallest particles of the universe to the building blocks of life. In this way, DESY contributes to solving the major questions and urgent challenges facing science, society and industry.
With its ultramodern research infrastructure, its interdisciplinary research platforms and its international networks, DESY offers a highly attractive working environment in the fields of science, technology and administration as well as for the education of highly qualified young scientists.
The Photo-Injector Test facility at DESY in Zeuthen (PITZ, near Berlin) focuses on the development of high brightness electron sources for Free Electron Lasers (FELs) such as FLASH and the European XFEL as well as on applications of high brightness beams like the world’s first high power THz SASE FEL and unique research capabilities for tumor radiotherapy and radiation biology.
A new territory of ultra-high dose rates (UHDR) radiation with high bunch charges and bunch lengths in the picosecond time range, single bunch doses and dose rates up to extremely high levels, and flexible choice of bunch timing structure and beam manipulation (e.g. beam size and beam scanning) is available at FLASHlab@PITZ - a multidisciplinary R&D platform under preparation.
FLASHlab@PITZ works together with the Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau (TH Wildau) as partner in close vicinity for the biological resources as well as with the University of Potsdam for nanotechnology. Partly biochemical and biological experiments are being conducted in the laboratories of TH Wildau.
We are looking for a PhD student with experimental and theoretical background in radiobiology, cancer therapy and/or nanotechnology, who will join our team for the further development of radiobiological research in cooperation with local and international partners.
About your role: Work in one of the leading groups developing and testing photo injectors and their applications (in particular radiation biology, UHDR and FLASH radiation therapy) in an international team of physicists, biologists and engineers Take responsibility in performing the research on biochemical and biological effects of UHDR radiation in combination with nanoparticles for synergistic therapy and imaging To perform experimental work by applying analytical, biochemical and cell-biological methods as well as animal experiments (zebrafish, mouse) Develop innovative concepts, techniques and experimental-setups for radiation biology experiments at PITZ Supervision and training of students Join the accelerator operation especially for the irradiation of biological samples Good reasons to join: 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. Limited: 3 years About you: Excellent university degree in biological, biophysical or biomedical sciences with M.Sc. or equivalent qualification Experience in one or more of the following areas: radiobiology, nanotechnology, biophysics, cancer and cell biology Interest in and capability of guiding small teams of students and biological laboratory operation Animal research experience is of advantage Good knowledge of English is required, knowledge of German is of advantage For further information please contact Anna Grebinyk at +49 33762-77304 (anna.grebinyk@desy.de). Please submit your complete application documents (letter of motivation, CV, relevant certificates and two letters of references) via our application portal.
Please use our online tool for the submission of the letters of reference after your application: Additional application documents We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal: Apply now DESY promotes equal opportunities and diversity.The professional development of women is very important to us and therefore we strongly encourage women to apply for the vacant position. Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preference if they are equally qualified (sbv.desy.de) . You can find further information here: https://www.desy.de/career/ Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY Personalabteilung Notkestraße 85 22607 Hamburg Phone: +49 40 8998-3392 Deadline for applications: 31.12.2026