Associate jobs in Germany

InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Physics, Cluster of Excellence ‚CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter‘

Start date01.01.2026, fixed for a period of two years (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Scope of workfull-time position 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 [Nature Phys. 18, 423-428 (2022); Science 389, 650-654 (2025)]. 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.

A university degree in a relevant field.

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.

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• 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.

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