Enlightening Science

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.

For our Communications group we are looking for

Working Student - Tour Guides (f/m/d) for the Lighthouse Visitor Centre

The Position

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.

• Work as a tour guide in the Lighthouse, after receiving training from communication and outreach staff
• Introduce visitors to the European XFEL facility, how it works and the research conducted here, either as an exhibition highlight tour or as a presentation
• Guide tours of our experiment hall, providing information and answering questions
• Ensure tour participants comply with safety and access rules
• Encourage tour participants to fill in the evaluation surveys
• Work at the information desk of the Lighthouse, after receiving training
• Act as a first point of contact for visitors to the Lighthouse, providing directions, and answering questions
• Respond to telephone and email enquiries
• Provide information about other public outreach activities and events
• Assist Lighthouse staff in managing bookings, tours and visits to the X cool Lab
• Assist with maintaining tour equipment and marketing supplies
• Possibly contribute to other outreach programmes and events both on and off campus

Requirements

• currently enrolled university student 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 (C1) and a working knowledge of English (ability to lead tours in both languages is considered an asset)
• Interest in a student job or mini-job
• Readiness to work on a flexible schedule including on weekends and outside standard office hours
• For applicants to a working-student position, it is our preference that you will remain enrolled for at least one more year. We also kindly ask you to include the expected completion date of your studies in your cover letter

Our offer

Become part of a vibrant international and multicultural 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 well‑being

Our company language is English.

Reference number: X-414

Duration: Initially limited to 1 year, an extension is possible, subject to later decision.

Application

Please apply online and provide your CV and a motivation letter in English as well as any reference letters.

The European XFEL GmbH is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and we promote and support diverse and heterogenous teams. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference over other equally qualified applicants.

For additional information, please contact Arwen Cross ([email protected]).

Working place will be Schenefeld, in the Hamburg metropolitan area. General information on working in Germany, the Hamburg area and the European XFEL can be found here.