Research Associate; Postdoc

Offer Description

Universität Hamburg invites applications for a Research Associate for the Project "XFEL-CEI:
Computer Simulations and Theoretical Method Development" within the Cluster of Excellence "CUI:
Advanced Imaging of Matter" in accordance with Section 28 subsection 3 of the Hamburg Higher Education Act (Hamburgisches Hochschulgesetz, HmbHG). The position begins on 01 January 2026.

It is remunerated at the salary level TV-L 13 and calls for a full-time position with 100% of standard working hours per week, suitable for part-time.

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications.

Coulomb explosion imaging using x-ray free-electron lasers (XFEL-CEI) is emerging as a powerful tool for capturing collective behavior of complex, single molecules. In this project, you perform mixed quantum-classical calculations of XFEL-CEI patterns of complex molecules undergoing structural dynamics. You contribute to the planning and preparation of XFEL-CEI experiments, and work closely with experimentalists on extracting information from experimental XFEL-CEI data.

You identify potential limitations of current modeling capabilities and perform the required methodological developments.

You have a PhD in a relevant field or, if you have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree, you have already defended your PhD thesis in a relevant field. You are experienced in the theory of light-matter interactions. In addition, you have expertise in machine learning, or in electronic-structure theory, or in molecular-dynamics techniques, or in x-ray physics. You have excellent communication and English skills.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Work-life balance opportunities
• Health management
• Educational leave
• 30 days of vacation per annum
• Selection process

Send us your complete application documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae, copies of degree certificate(s) and if necessary  to your disability or proof of equivalent status) via the online application form only. Please click here to get to the job advertisement.

Additional comments

As a University of Excellence, Universität Hamburg is one of the strongest research universities in Germany. As a flagship university in the greater Hamburg region, it nurtures innovative, cooperative contacts to partners within and outside academia. It also provides and promotes sustainable education, knowledge, and knowledge exchange locally, nationally, and internationally.

The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg promotes equal opportunity. As women are currently underrepresented in this job category at Universität Hamburg according to the evaluation conducted under the Hamburg act on gender equality (Hamburgisches Gleichstellungsgesetz, HambGleiG), we encourage women to apply for this position. Equally qualified and suitable female applicants will receive preference.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.