PhD Student (f/m/d) Virtual Diagnostics and Surrogate Models for Analysis and Optimization of a Laser-Electron Accelerator based Free-Electron Laser

With cutting-edge research in the fields of ENERGY, HEALTH and MATTER, around 1,500 employees from more than 70 nations at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) are committed to mastering the great challenges facing society today.

The Institute of Radiation Physics conducts research for states of matter under extreme conditions and in very small dimensions.

The Department of Laser Particle Acceleration is looking for a PhD Student (f/m/d) Virtual Diagnostics and Surrogate Models for Analysis and Optimization of a Laser-Electron Accelerator based Free-Electron Laser. 

Your tasks

• Understand and optimize FEL radiation from Electron bunches generated by laser plasma acceleration (LPA)
• Integration of simulation codes (e.g. Elegant, Genesis, PIConGPU) into ML pipelines and digital twins
• Training surrogates based on digital twins and data from experimental LPA-FEL setup
• Development of virtual diagnostics for experimental LPA-FEL setup using simulation-based inference (SBI)
• Finding electron-bunch shapes for optimal FEL radiation based on simulations and guiding experimental exploration
• Close communication with experimental colleagues to understand the setup and communicate promising parameters to explore
• Publication of results in scientific journal and dissemination at conferences

Your profile

• Completed university studies (Master/Diploma) in the field of Physics (Computational, Particle Physics, Optics, or related), Computer Science with a strong background in machine learning and statistics or Applied Mathematics with a strong background in numerical modeling and statistics
• Mastery and use of the scientific method
• Experience in numerical modeling and computational workflows
• Knowledge about machine learning: statistics and deep learning
• Experience in data analysis, visualization and presentation
• Good programming skills in languages such as Python, Julia or C++
• Independent, investigative working style
• Interest to work in an interdisciplinary environment
• Actively seeking input and openly sharing results and knowledge in a team
• At least basic knowledge of modern deep learning frameworks (e.g. pyTorch)
• Knowledge of collaborative software development tools (e.g. Version control: Git)
• Experience working in Linux shell/cluster environment and on shared resources

Our offer

• A vibrant research community in an open, diverse and international work environment
• Scientific excellence and extensive professional networking opportunities
• A structured PhD program with a comprehensive range of continuing education and networking opportunities - more information about the PhD program at the HZDR can be found here
• Salary and social benefits in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD-Bund) including 30 days of paid holiday leave, company pension scheme (VBL)
• We support a good work-life balance with the possibility of part-time employment, mobile working and flexible working hours
• Numerous company health management offerings
• Employee discounts with well-known providers via the platform Corporate Benefits
• An employer subsidy for the "Deutschland-Ticket Jobticket"

We look forward to receiving your application documents (including cover letter, CV, diplomas/transcripts, etc.), which you can submit via our online-application-system.