Overview

The Extreme Light Infrastructure ERIC (ELI ERIC) is the world’s largest and most advanced high-power laser research infrastructure. As an international user facility dedicated to multi-disciplinary science, ELI provides access to world-class high-power, high-repetition-rate laser systems and enables cutting-edge research, as well as breakthrough technological innovations. The ELI ERIC operates as a single multi-site organization with two complementary facilities specialized in different fields of research with extreme light: ELI Beamlines in Dolní Břežany (Czech Republic) and ELI ALPS in Szeged (Hungary).

ELI Beamlines Facility operates four cutting-edge high-power femtosecond laser systems reaching unprecedented intensities. The operational laser systems make unique femtosecond sources of X-rays and accelerated particles available to scientific users for pioneering research in physical, chemical, materials, life and medical sciences as well as physics of dense plasmas, warm dense matter, and laboratory astrophysics. The ELI Beamlines Facility employs over 350 researchers, engineers and other professionals from more than 38 countries.

We are currently seeking an experienced and motivated colleague to join our team at ELI Beamlines in the role of:

Head of Department of Structural Dynamics

This department focuses on scientific applications of high repetition rate optical, XUV, and X-ray sources for studying the structure and dynamics of materials at atomic and molecular scales. It supports user experiments in material science, biology, and chemistry by providing tailored experimental configurations and promoting collaborative opportunities.

Job description:

  • Supervision of the design, development, delivery, testing, and implementation of ELI kHz-source-driven applications within the MBM (Molecular, Biological, and Materials) sciences research program.
  • Development and implementation of advanced end stations for MBM applications within the ELI Beamlines project.
  • Development and management of the Department of Structural Dynamics.
  • Coordination of ELI kHz-source-driven applications in scientific MBM research and within the development team.
  • Coordination of interfaces between ELI kHz-source-driven applications in scientific MBM research, the source development teams, along with control system and other engineering teams.
  • Collaboration on the development of ELI kHz-source-driven applications in cooperation with other scientific departments and potential users, and coordination of this development.
  • Preparation and coordination of technical specifications for the delivery of technologies used in ELI source applications for MBM sciences.
  • Responsibility for close collaboration with other international research centres and commercial entities in the field of ELI applications in MBM sciences.
  • Independent scientific research, including publication and participation in conferences.

Requirements:

Qualifications and Experience

  • Ph.D. in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field, with a strong background in ultrafast science or advanced photon-based techniques.
  • Robust scientific record and strong expertise in the fields of time-resolved spectroscopy, imaging, or diffraction using optical, XUV, or X-ray sources, with strong records of indipendent scientific research.
  • Internationally recognized researcher experience with a demonstrated ability to lead scientific projects and contribute to strategic research development, evidenced by publications, invited presentations, and successful collaborations.

Leadership and Management Skills

  • Proven experience in leading scientific teams or research groups, including supervision of Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers.
  • Ability to set strategic goals for the department and to align its research and operational priorities with institutional objectives.
  • Experience in managing scientific operations and infrastructure, including oversight of experimental setups and budgetary planning.
  • Commitment to supporting a collaborative and interdisciplinary team culture, fostering innovation and inclusion.

Scientific and Technical Competence

  • Experience with user-oriented research environments and collaborative experimental campaigns is highly desirable.
  • Proven ability to acquire external research funding and manage complex research initiatives.

Communication and Collaboration

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the department at scientific forums and within collaborative networks.
  • Strong focus on building partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, and supporting a vibrant user community.
  • Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

We offer:

  • Opportunity to work in this unique international scientific institution
  • Competitive and motivating salary
  • Good working environment
  • Professional education
  • Pension contribution / resaver
  • 5 weeks of holidays and 6 days of personal leave
  • Support of leisure time activities

 

Applications, containing CV, cover letter, contacts of references, and any other material the candidate considers relevant, should be sent to Mrs. Jana Ženíšková, HR Senior Specialist (jana.zeniskova@eli-beams.eu, +420 601 560 322) by the 15th August 2025.

Information on the processing of personal data can be found on https://www.eli-beams.eu/informace-o-zpracovani-vasich-osobnich-udaju-gdpr/. We are an equal opportunity employer.

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