Research Associate for the Project “GRAIL” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Hamburg Center for Health Economics; Hamburg; Vor Ort; EUR 45.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institution in Hamburg seeks a Research Associate to develop a serial electron diffraction pipeline as part of an interdisciplinary team. Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant field, along with expertise in scientific software development, particularly in Python, R, or C++. This full-time position offers flexible working hours and a supportive environment for academic growth, with an emphasis on publishing research findings.

Leistungen

Flexible working hours

30 days of vacation

Health management programs

Qualifikationen

• Must have a PhD degree certificate in Physics, Chemistry, or closely related subject.
• Demonstrable scientific software development expertise.
• Fluency in English is required; German is advantageous.

Aufgaben

• Develop a serial electron diffraction pipeline.
• Mentor students involved in the project.
• Publish findings as first author and co-corresponding author.

Kenntnisse

Object-oriented programming (Python, R, C++)

Scientific software development

GUI interface design

Experience with transmission electron microscopes

Data collection pipeline design

Ausbildung

PhD in Physics, Chemistry or related field

Tools

Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench (LabVIEW)

EPICS

CAD software

Jobbeschreibung

Overview

Institution Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Physics

Salary level EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date 01.01.2026, fixed until 30.04.2030 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline 30.09.2025

Scope of work full-time position suitable for part-time

Your responsibilities

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

Specifically, in the ERC Synergy project “GRAIL” you will take on a leading role in the development of a serial electron diffraction pipeline. This will include both designing and commissioning modified hardware (sample stages, sample transfer) as well as the development of dedicated controls, data collection and data processing software. You will work as part of an interdisciplinary team including nanoscientists, biophysicists and engineers. You will participate in the training and mentoring of students involved in the project. You will take an active role in achieving the scientific goals of the project, and will be expected to publish as a first author and co-corresponding author where appropriate.

Your profile

Qualifications

A university degree in a relevant field, plus doctorate.

You should have a PhD degree certificate in Physics, Chemistry or a closely related subject.

You should have demonstrable scientific software development expertise including: object-oriented programming (Python, R, C++ or similar), state machines and controls software (i.e. LabVIEW, EPICS), optimization algorithms, user interface design, image processing, data collection pipeline design and physics models. You should have experience in building GUI interfaces and experience in GPU acceleration and use of HPC infrastructure. You should also have practical experience in CAD modelling for machined part design for use in vacuum environments, including parametric CAD, as well as with prototyping 3D printed and machined parts and an understanding of engineering constraints. You should have experience as a user, and preferably as a methods developer, of all stages of a crystallographic experiment, as well as experience in the use of transmission electron microscopes and an understanding of their optics, alignment and operation. You should have extensive experience and expertise in the collecting and processing of diffraction data using non-standard setups (for example at synchrotrons and FELs). You should have experience in macromolecular model building and refinement against diffraction data and ideally experience with time-resolved experiments in structural biology.

We are seeking a candidate with a demonstrated ability to work independently as a software developer (for example primary or sole authorship of a software package) and ability to communicate effectively and work as part of an interdisciplinary team. An ideal candidate will also have a demonstrable track record of meaningful contributions in methodology development for structural biology. Finally, the working language of the GRAIL consortium is English, so excellent written and oral English skills are required. Competence in German will be advantageous but is not required.

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Attractive location
• Flexible working hours
• Work-life balance opportunities
• Health management, EGYM Wellpass
• Educational leave
• 30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

The University of Hamburg strives to increase the number of women in academia, and encourages qualified female academics to apply.

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

Instructions for applying

Contact

Arwen Pearson
[e-mail]
[phone]

Irene Fernandez-Cuesta
[e-mail]
[phone]

Reference number
252

Application deadline
30.09.2025

Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:

• cover letter
• CV
• copies of degree certificate(s)

If you experience technical problems, send an email to [e-mail].

More information on data protection in selection procedures.

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