Senior Scientist (f/m/d) Full-time NEW

Hika Experimental Station Beamline Scientist

The Institute for Photon Science and Synchrotron Radiation (IPS) at KIT operates the new HIKA experimental station at DESY in Hamburg, located at the P23.2 beamline of the PETRA III synchrotron storage ring. In the first expansion phase of PETRA IV, HIKA will be developed into the Beamline PB32 for Hierarchical X-ray Imaging and Serial Tomography. By combining various X-ray microscopy and coherent imaging techniques with tomography, laminography, and state-of-the-art robotics, it enables both groundbreaking and systematic research in the material and life sciences.

Your Tasks

• You contribute to ensuring efficient operation and to the continuous further development of the instrumental and methodological capabilities of HIKA.
• You develop and optimize state-of-the-art concepts for hierarchical imaging and serial tomography using synchrotron radiation.
• You are responsible for the budget for investments in beamline components.
• You support collaboration and user groups in carrying out experiments and in data analysis.
• You contribute to long-term research projects and to scientific publications.
• You work in interdisciplinary teams at KIT and DESY.

Your Profile

• Doctorate (PhD) in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related discipline.
• Several years of experience in experimental work at beamlines of synchrotron facilities.
• Comprehensive understanding of beamline instrumentation and X-ray imaging techniques.
• Experience in at least one of the following areas: X-ray microscopy, phase-contrast imaging, or tomography.
• Experience in project management.
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.
• High motivation to contribute to collaborative research and to drive innovation in imaging techniques and applications.

We Offer

• Science for Impact: Engage with topics of societal relevance — in an excellent scientific environment that enables change.
• Flexible Working Hours: Take advantage of flexible‑hours schemes, remote‑work options, part‑time models, and a 30‑day annual leave entitlement to achieve an optimal work‑life balance.
• Career‑Building and Developmental Opportunities: We provide you with a structured onboarding program, a broad spectrum of continuing‑education options, and personalised support, thereby fostering your individual growth.
• Family-friendliness: The “KIT‑Family +” program assists you in reconciling work and family life by offering childcare services, holiday activities, a parent‑child office space, and assistance with caring for relatives.
• Stay Healthy: Under the motto “Fit at KIT – Body, Mind and Soul,” we promote your well‑being through fitness classes, mental‑health programmes, and regular preventive health examinations.
• Individualised Extra Benefits: Enjoy a corporate pension (VBL), a €25 monthly contribution toward a JobTicket BW, plus a broad selection of cultural and recreational programmes.

Job location: Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen (and Karlsruhe), Hamburg

Salary: Salary category 14 TV-L; classification is based on personal and professional qualifications.

Contract duration: 5 years

Contact person in line-management: Prof. Dr. Baumbach tilo.baumbach@kit.edu

If you have general questions about the application process, please contact Sylvia Kaiser Personalservice (PSE) sylvia.kaiser@kit.edu +49 721 608-22438

At KIT we value the diversity of our employees; different perspectives and backgrounds enrich our work. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Applications from recognized severely disabled individuals are given preferential consideration when qualifications are equal. Application up to: 2026-07-19 Job posting number: 279/2026