From Würzburg to the World
01/02/2025Physics alumnus Dr Jan Grünert works in a scientific institution with people from over 50 nations. His advice to students who want to go into research: gain as much experience abroad as possible!
What do graduates of Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) do for a living? In order to introduce students to different perspectives, Michaela Thiel, Managing Director of the central JMU alumni network "Uni Wü Community", and her team regularly interview selected alumni.
This time, Dr Jan Grünert answered the questions. He studied physics at JMU and heads the "Photon Diagnostics" group at the European X-ray Laser XFEL GmbH in Schenefeld near Hamburg. The 3.4-kilometre-long European XFEL generates extremely intense X-ray laser flashes that researchers from all over the world can use. The X-ray flashes are generated in underground tunnels. They make it possible to recognise atomic details of viruses, film chemical reactions and investigate processes inside planets.
Dr Grünert, what is your job at the European XFEL?
I am responsible for photon diagnostics at the European XFEL, which means that I developed and built the beam diagnostics with my working group. There are many instruments scattered throughout the facility that are used to characterise and optimise the X-rays before they are "delivered" to the scientists conducting research in the experimental hall.
What does your day-to-day work look like?
The operation and further development of these diagnostic systems is our daily task. This includes constantly improving the instruments and introducing new techniques for analysing beams. As group leader, I also have budget and personnel responsibility for eight employees, which means a lot of administration and communication in addition to the scientific work.
What do you particularly love about your job?
No two days are the same, my environment contains a lot of very smart people from more than 50 countries, and every day there is something new to learn and discover.
What is your favourite memory of your time at university?
My friends, fellow students, and the team spirit, getting through the difficult (exam) times together.
What advice would you give to young people who want to pursue a career in research?
Definitely spend at least one year abroad during your studies, acquire profound language skills, and then gain experience, knowledge, contacts and great experiences abroad as a doctoral student or postdoc.
Thank you very much!
You are not yet a member of the alumni network "Uni Wü Community" or Alumni & Friends e.V.? Then you are cordially invited to register via www.uni-wuerzburg.de/alumni/! You can also find the interviews with JMU alumni and alumnae published to date on the Community website.
