Research Associate (m/f/d) in Laser Physics & Femtochemistry

HAWK - University of Applied Science and Arts; Niedersachsen; Vor Ort; EUR 60.000 - 70.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Göttingen invites applications for a Research Associate (m/f/d) in Laser Physics & Femtochemistry. The position is based at the Göttingen campus within the ERC FEMTOMICS project and is offered for three years on a full-time contract.

You will design and commission ultrashort laser systems, conduct time-resolved experiments, and collaborate across physics, biology, proteomics, sequencing and bioinformatics to push forward protein–DNA interaction

Qualifikationen

• Master’s or Diploma in physics, photonics, physical chemistry, or related natural science.
• PhD is desirable.
• Strong knowledge of nonlinear optics and ultrashort laser pulses.
• Experience with complex optical and spectroscopic setups.
• Excellent teamwork and interdisciplinary communication.
• Very good English; very good German for administration.

Aufgaben

• Designing, constructing, commissioning, and further developing complex experimental laser systems and irradiation platforms using ultrashort laser pulses.
• Independently planning, conducting, and evaluating time-resolved physical and femtochemical experiments.
• Systematically investigating and optimising laser and process parameters.
• Characterising, validating, and standardising optical setups and measurement methods; prepare SOPs.
• Collaborating with physics, molecular biology, proteomics, sequencing, and bioinformatics experts.
• Contributing to scientific publications, project communication, and patent disclosures if applicable.

Kenntnisse

Nonlinear optics

Ultrashort lasers

Experiment design

Time-resolved spectroscopy

Data analysis

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Ausbildung

Master’s or Diploma degree in physics/photonic/physical chemistry or related natural science

PhD desirable

Tools

Optical alignment

Spectroscopy instruments

Jobbeschreibung

Research Associate (m/f/d) in Laser Physics & Femtochemistry (E 13 TV-L, full-time)

At HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen, Faculty of Engineering and Health, Göttingen campus, the position is to be filled at the earliest possible date, for a fixed term of three years.

Within the ERC Advanced Grant project FEMTOMICS, novel photonic and molecular analytical methods are being developed for the high-resolution investigation of dynamic protein-DNA interactions. Femtosecond laser-based crosslinking (fliX) is combined with complementary methods in quantitative and structural proteomics (LC-MS/MS), genomics and sequencing (ChIP-Seq, nanopore sequencing), and bioinformatics for multiomics data integration and analysis to characterise protein–DNA interactions at the structural and functional levels. The aim is to make previously inaccessible dynamic molecular processes experimentally measurable and thereby establish new foundations for investigating regulatory mechanisms in biological and disease-relevant systems. A central focus is the development and physicochemical characterisation of novel irradiation and measurement approaches based on ultrashort laser pulses.

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Designing, constructing, commissioning, and further developing complex experimental laser systems and irradiation platforms using ultrashort laser pulses, particularly pump–probe setups and dual-wavelength irradiation systems
• Independently planning, conducting, and evaluating time-resolved physical and femtochemical experiments to elucidate the processes leading to protein–DNA crosslinking and DNA damage
• Systematically investigating and optimising relevant laser and process parameters, such as wavelength, pulse duration, pulse energy, repetition rate, temporal pulse separation, and irradiation dose
• Characterising, validating, and standardising the optical setups and measurement methods developed, including benchmarking, reproducibility assessments, troubleshooting, and the preparation of SOPs
• Working closely with experts in physics, molecular biology, proteomics, sequencing, and bioinformatics; jointly interpreting results and integrating them into experimental planning
• Contributing to scientific publications, project communication, and, where results are eligible for intellectual property protection, invention disclosures and patent applications

Qualifications

• A completed university degree at Master’s or Diploma level in physics, photonics, physical chemistry, or a related natural science; a completed doctorate is desirable
• Excellent theoretical and practical knowledge of non-linear optics and ultrashort laser pulses and extensive experience with sophisticated experimental laser setups
• Demonstrated experience in the independent design, alignment, characterisation, and operation of complex optical and/or spectroscopic experimental setups
• Experience in photochemistry, femtochemistry, time-resolved spectroscopy, or related fields is advantageous
• Strong analytical and independent scientific thinking, with the ability to critically evaluate experimental results and develop solutions to scientific and methodological challenges
• A strong interest in biological and biomedical research questions, together with a willingness to acquire expertise in protein‑DNA interactions and molecular analytical methods
• Enthusiasm for method and technology development, systematic optimisation, and experimental troubleshooting, as well as an independent, structured, and responsible working style
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills, together with an enthusiasm for close collaboration in an interdisciplinary team
• A demonstrated record of scientific publications; experience with invention disclosures, intellectual property rights, or patent applications is desirable
• Very good English skills for scientific communication and laboratory work and very good German skills for handling administrative matters

HAWK sees itself as a place that creates opportunities. We therefore expect the successful candidate to foster an equal-opportunity and diversity-oriented working environment in interactions with colleagues and students.

As a diversity-friendly university, we welcome employees with different backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from people from underrepresented groups. Our university supports the compatibility of family and career, among other things through highly flexible working-time models. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions if they have equal aptitude, qualifications and professional performance.