Postdoctoral Research Software Engineer | Scientist (Postdoc) as research software engineer

Helmholtz-Zentrum hereon GmbH

Geesthacht, Schleswig-Holstein, Deutschland
Published Dec 10, 2025
Full-time
Fixed-term

Job Summary

The Postdoctoral Research Software Engineer will be crucial in developing and enhancing sophisticated scientific analysis software for the High Energy Materials Science Beamline (P61A) at the GEMS center in DESY, Hamburg. Daily tasks involve extending the existing Python-based P61A Viewer to efficiently handle and analyze large volumes of energy-dispersive diffraction data. This includes implementing robust graphical user interfaces, peak identification and fitting capabilities, and advanced metadata handling to automate complex multi-dimensional analysis. The role requires collaboration with beamline staff and external users to define and document requirements. Candidates must possess a university degree in physics, materials science, or a related field, coupled with excellent Python programming skills, including object-oriented programming and testing, as well as proven experience in developing scientific analysis software. This position offers an exciting, varied role within the international Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, featuring excellent infrastructure and flexible work arrangements.

Required Skills

Education

University degree in physics, materials science or a related discipline

Experience

  • Professional experience with development of scientific analysis software
  • Experience with larger software projects (Asset)
  • Experience with documentation and tutorial development (Asset)
  • Experience with diffraction experiments at synchrotrons or other sources (Asset)

Languages

German (Intermediate)English (Fluent)

Additional

  • Initial contract limited to two years; Full-time position (39 hours/week); Work location at the DESY outstation in Hamburg.