DESY Hamburg Germany PhD Scholarship 2025 in Laser Science (Fully Funded)

Description

If you’re passionate about laser physics, optics, or fusion energy, this is your chance to be part of cutting-edge research. The Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) in Hamburg, Germany, is inviting applications for two fully funded PhD positions in laser development for the Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) program, beginning 1 September 2025.

This opportunity is part of the prestigious IGNYTe Project, funded by the German Ministry of Research, Technology and Space under the Fusion 2040 initiative—aimed at turning scientific fusion breakthroughs into practical applications for clean energy.

About the Research Project: IGNYTe and Fusion 2040

The IGNYTe Project aims to resolve one of fusion’s most pressing technical challenges—creating an efficient ultraviolet (UV) laser light source to enable direct drive fusion target compression. As part of the research team, you’ll contribute to:

1. Development of incoherent fibre front-end lasers and Joule-class Yb:YLF amplifiers
2. Advanced third-harmonic generation schemes
3. Integration into DESY’s state-of-the-art control systems

Degree Level

DESY Hamburg Germany PhD Scholarship 2025 in Laser Science (Fully Funded) is available to undertake PhD level programs at Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY).

Available Subjects

Following subject are available to study under this scholarship program.

Key Responsibilities

Depending on your focus area, your PhD role will involve:

Laser Development Path

1. Design and build fibre or solid-state laser front-ends
2. Implement spectral and temporal shaping of broadband nanosecond pulses

Broadband UV Generation Path

1. Engineer nonlinear multi-pass cells for UV spectral broadening
2. Investigate third-order nonlinearities in energetic, temporally incoherent fields

General Tasks

1. Collaborate with international laser research groups
2. Publish findings and present at global conferences
3. Advance technology readiness levels (TRLs) of developed systems

Benefits

Why Choose DESY for Your PhD?

DESY is one of the world’s top research facilities, offering:

1. Access to cutting-edge laser laboratories and computing clusters
2. No teaching requirement, allowing full-time focus on your research
3. A vibrant, international scientific community
4. Fully funded employment with German public sector benefits, including:
5. 30 days of paid vacation
6. Company pension (VBL)
7. Subsidized Deutschland-Ticket (Job Ticket)
8. Health programs & corporate benefits

Eligible Nationalities

Open to applicants of all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the DESY PhD program, you must:

1. Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Optics, Photonics, or a related field
2. Have at least six months of hands-on experience in laser laboratories
3. Demonstrate strong knowledge of pulsed laser systems and/or nonlinear optics
4. Be a strong team player with excellent English communication skills
5. Show high motivation for laser development in applied fusion research

Application Procedure

To apply for this prestigious PhD in laser fusion technology, submit the following documents via DESY’s online application portal:

1. Cover letter
2. CV
3. University transcripts
4. Two letters of reference (submitted through DESY’s tool)

Diversity and Equal Opportunity at DESY

DESY is committed to equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion. Applications from women, indigenous people, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged. In the event of equal qualification, preference will be given to severely disabled applicants.

Conclusion: Shape the Future of Laser Fusion Technology

This DESY Hamburg PhD position in laser science for ICF is a unique opportunity to work on the future of clean energy through high-impact laser and fusion research. Join the global effort to make laser-driven fusion a reality—while building your career at one of Europe’s premier research institutions.