Job Description

European XFEL is an international non-profit company located in the Hamburg area in Germany. It operates a 3.4 km-long X-ray laser, which produces X-rays of unique quality for studies in physics, chemistry, the life sciences, materials research and other disciplines. The diverse scientific facilities at European XFEL enable scientists from across the globe to carry out a wide range of experimental techniques.

You will work in our research organization in the Communication Group. The Lighthouse Visitor Centre at European XFEL informs visitors about the facility and its research. Guided tours are offered for school classes, university students and scientist, as well as interested non-scientists. Tours are offered in German or English. We are looking for guides for tours on weekdays, largely during working hours, as well as guides for the second Saturday of each month.

We are looking for

Working Students as Tour Guides (f/m/d) for the Lighthouse Visitor Centre

• Work as a tour guide in the Lighthouse (3 h/week or 6 h/month), after receiving training and instruction from communication and outreach staff
• Introduce visitors to the European XFEL facility, how it works and the research conducted here, either by highlighting information in our exhibition or during a presentation
• Guide tours of our experiment hall, providing information and answering questions
• Ensure tour participants comply with safety and access rules
• Assist at the information desk in the Lighthouse
• Possibly contribute to other outreach programmes and events both on and off campus

• Having completed or currently studying towards a Bachelor or Master in a subject related to European XFEL, including physics, chemistry, structural biology, materials science, or science teaching
• Interest in guiding school and university students as well as members of the public at European XFEL
• Ability to communicate the science behind the facility in an easy-to-understand way as well as to speak in front of larger groups
• Organisational, communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a team, independence, sense of responsibility
• Fluency in German and a working knowledge of English (ability to lead tours in both languages is considered an asset)

Become part of a vibrant international and multi-cultural team of scientists, engineers, technical and administrative staff. Be involved in cutting edge scientific and technical progress and participate in our international networks. Experience our atmosphere of tolerance and respect.

Salary and benefits are similar to those of public service organizations in Germany, this includes for example:

• family friendly working environment (e. g. additional childcare days)
• flexible working times and option for work from home depending on tasks
• 30 days of vacation, 24th and 31st of December are free as a courtesy of the employer
• extensive relocation benefits
• generous company pension scheme (6,45 % of monthly salary)
• monthly social events and subsidized company restaurant
• partially financed job-tickets for public transportation
• extensive training opportunities incl. subsidized English and German language classes
• easy and free access to a mental health platform to support your wellbeing

Our company language is English.

Reference number: X-357

Duration: 1 year with the option to extend.

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