Postdoc for Sensor Development and Technology Transfer

Work group:

ALPS

Area of research:

Scientific / postdoctoral posts

Starting date:

07.08.2026

Job description:

DESY

The Cluster of Excellence "Quantum Universe" performs research to understand mass and gravity at the interface between quantum physics and cosmology. The research team includes leading scientists from mathematics, particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology at the University of Hamburg and DESY. As part of the cluster's technology transfer activities, this project aims to advance a novel compact gas pressure sensor based on a chip-scale mechanical oscillator with ultra-low intrinsic loss. Building on a successfully demonstrated portable prototype and identified application scenarios, the project focuses on increasing the technology readiness of the sensor and enabling its adoption in scientific and industrial vacuum applications through continued technological development and close interaction with potential users and technology transfer experts. The successful applicant will become a member of the ALPS group at DESY, which together with international partners 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.Postdoctoral research associates will become members of the Quantum Universe Research School (QURS), which provides academic and key skills training, as well as career planning support. In addition, they will receive individual budgets to facilitate the attendance of summer schools and conferences, and to support other educational measures. Additional travel money for project-specific duties will be provided by the hosting research groups. Postdoctoral research associates may participate in the supervision of doctoral researchers, teaching at the University, and in the organization of the Cluster via an early career council.

About your role:

• Further develop and characterize a nanomechanical gas pressure sensor, including its fiber optic readout system, data acquisition (DAQ), and associated software
• Engage with application-oriented stakeholders to identify use cases and advance the sensor's Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
• Collaborate with local technology transfer experts to develop and implement a coordinated transfer strategy
• Contribute to the preparation of grant proposals and funding applications to support future development of the gas pressure sensor technology
• Lead and coordinate project activities and work packages related to sensor development and technology transfer

About you:

• Completed academic education including a PhD in Physics or a related field, or equivalent qualifications and experience
• Extensive hands-on experience in the design, construction, commissioning, and operation of complex experimental setups
• Programming experience in scientific computing environments (e.g., Python, MATLAB)
• Independent, proactive, and goal-oriented working style with a strong commitment to solving complex technical challenges
• Practical experience with fiber optics, vacuum technology, cryogenics, finite-element simulations (FEM), and data acquisition systems is desirable
• Excellent written and spoken English skills
• Strong teamwork and communication skills in interdisciplinary research environments
• Knowledge of German is an asset

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: https://www.desy.de/career/Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESYPersonalabteilung | Notkestraße 85 | 22607 HamburgPhone: +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.