The Institute for Photon Science and Synchrotron Radiation (IPS) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) operates the new HIKA Imaging Station as a Collaborative Research Group (CRG) instrument on the P23.2 beamline of the PETRA III storage ring at DESY in Hamburg. As part of the first PETRA IV upgrade phase, KIT is preparing to expand the HIKA station to create the future dedicated imaging beamline PB32. Designed for hierarchical imaging and serial tomography workflows, HIKA enables both pioneering and systematic research in materials research and life sciences. It combines various X-ray microscopy and parallel beam coherent imaging techniques in the 10–60 keV energy range with tomography and laminography, as well as sophisticated sample robotics. It employs multilayer Laue lenses for highest resolution and develops Bragg magnification optics for highest dose-efficiency regimes.

As the first HIKA beamline scientist in the new HIKA department at IPS, you will play a leading role in ensuring efficient operation and continually advancing HIKA’s instrumental and methodical capabilities. In close collaboration with highly interdisciplinary teams at KIT and DESY, you will be at the forefront of X-ray imaging developments and applications. This exciting position offers the opportunity to engage in KIT’s long-term research projects and to shape the future of world-class X-ray imaging at PETRA III / IV.

Your Responsibilities

• Develop, integrate, and optimize most advanced X-ray imaging techniques for the concepts of hierarchical imaging and serial tomography with synchrotron radiation.
• Ensure reliable beamline operation with all of HIKA’s instrumentation hardware, including sophisticated optics and robotics, and with dedicated beamline controlling, data acquisition, and processing software for high-throughput imaging experiments.
• Prepare HIKA to adapt to the outstanding source properties of PETRA IV.
• Participate in planning and development of the PB32 beamline at PETRA IV.
• Provide expert user support for experiment execution and subsequent data processing.
• Budget, resource and investment planning for HIKA operation.
• Ensure safety in the workplace.
• Collaborate with KIT and DESY teams to expand HIKA’s imaging capabilities.
• Contribute to scientific publications, scientific proposal applications and acquisition of third party funding projects.
• Represent HIKA and its operation at KIT, DESY, conferences, and user meetings.

You are an enthusiastic and skilled scientist with a strong background in X-ray imaging and synchrotron-based research. You enjoy combining technical expertise with hands-on experimental work and collaborative project management in a dynamic, international research environment.

Requirements:

• PhD in Physics or related field (e.g. Materials Science, Engineering, or related disciplines).
• Several years of experience working at an imaging beamline at a synchrotron radiation facility, with in-depth understanding of beamline instrumentation and imaging techniques.
• Experience in at least one of the fields of X-ray microscopy, phase contrast imaging, tomography.
• Experience in developing or commissioning new experimental setups.
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken, enabling effective communication in an international environment.

Desirable skills:

• Familiarity with data analysis and image reconstruction methods in X-ray tomography, phase retrieval, and related imaging modes.
• Experience in project management and supervision of technical and scientific staff, ideally in a multidisciplinary research setting.
• Motivation to contribute to collaborative research and drive innovation in imaging techniques and applications.
• Good Python programming skills.
• Good command of German, both written and spoken.

Become a member of staff of the only German University of Excellence that conducts large-scale research on the national level. Work under excellent working conditions in an international environment and be active in research and academic education for our future. Benefit from specific training when starting your job and from a wide range of further qualification offers. Use our flexible working time models (flexitime, work from home), our sports and leisure offers, as well as our child and holiday care services. We also pay a share of EUR 25/month in the Job Ticket Baden-Württemberg. Enjoy a large variety of dishes, snacks, and beverages at our canteens.