The University of Kassel is a modern and growing University with round about 22.000 students. The university’s wide range of expertise covers subjects in the natural, applied, cultural and social sciences.
In the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences - Institute of Physics - Section Molecular quantum physics with synchrotron radiation (Prof. Dr. Marcel Mudrich), the following job vacancy is to be filled as of 01.09.2025:
researcher employee (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H, termed initially, part-time (currently 20 working hours)
Application deadline:
30.07.2025
Date of hire:
01.09.2025
vacancy number: 38536
Part-time with half the regular working hours of a full-time employee. The position is initially limited to 3 years with the possibility of extension for a further 2 years (qualification position according to Section 72 HessHG in conjunction with Section 2 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 WissZeitVG). This position offers the opportunity to graduate with a PhD degree.
In the Molecular quantum physics with synchrotron radiation group lead by Prof. Mudrich we address the following fundamental questions by conducting experiments with synchrotron radiation on molecular and nanoparticle beams:
1. What are the fundamental interaction processes of free nanoparticles in the gas phase with ionizing radiation?
2. What can we learn from detecting the products (emitted electrons, ions, photons) of these light-matter interactions? What can we learn from measuring spectra and dynamic processes in nanoparticles?
3. Can we use this knowledge to exploit naturally occurring light-matter interactions for technological or medical developments, particularly with regard to atmospheric processes and radiotherapy methods?
The aim of this project is to investigate the photodynamics of various types of free nanoparticles in the gas phase. The project will investigate atmospherically relevant particles such as water nanocrystals and dry or wet salt nanoparticles, as well as technically and medically relevant particles such as functionalized titanium oxide and gold nanoparticles. The interaction of ionizing radiation with such nanoparticles usually triggers complex photodynamics, in particular various intra- and inter-molecular processes such as molecular fragmentation, proton transfer, energy transfer from one molecule to another, and chemical reactions. In nanoparticles, these processes take place on the surface or deeper within the particle, depending on the type of particle and the wavelength of the radiation. These experiments are primarily conducted with laser and synchrotron radiation, and a variety of measurement methods are employed, such as imaging optical spectroscopy, electron spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Microbalances, scanning mobility particle size analyzers, and Reighley scattering imaging setups are used to characterize the nanoparticle beams.
Tasks:
4. Active work in research and teaching in the field of synchrotron spectroscopy and nanoparticle photophysics
5. Independent work on the characterization and photoelectron spectroscopy of nanoparticle beams
6. Experimental investigations of photoionization processes in nanoparticle beams using optical methods as well as electron spectroscopies in the extreme ultraviolet and X-ray ranges
7. Participation in measurement campaigns at major international research facilities in Germany and Europe (mainly ASTRID2 in Aarhus, also SOLEIL near Paris, MAX-IV in Lund)
8. Data analysis, interpretation, modeling, and writing of scientific publications
9. Participation in the maintenance and development of the group's infrastructure
10. Participation in the group‘s teaching obligations
11. Participation in the external presentation of the group and Physics Department and the communication of our research to the public
Requirements:
12. Completed university degree in physics or nanoscience. The required qualification must be in place by the start date at the latest
13. A high level of organizational and teamwork skills
The following skills are advantageous:
14. Good knowledge of atomic and molecular physics
15. Experience in using vacuum equipment, photoelectron spectrometers, synchrotron radiation, data analysis
16. Good programming skills, particularly in Python
In the event of any differences between the German and English versions of this call for application, the German wording is legally binding.
Our Offer:
As an employee of the University of Kassel
17. you will be offered an interesting and diverse range of tasks within the framework of a modern and ambitious university,
18. you will be part of an interdisciplinary team with a good and collegial working atmosphere,
19. you will have the opportunity to participate in professional and interdisciplinary further education measures,
20. is your workplace with good connections to public transport, which you can currently use free of charge.
In addition, you will benefit from the advantages of employment in the public service such as:
21. an additional company pension (VBL),
22. an optional child supplement in accordance with TV-Hessen, a family-friendly university (including childcare for emergencies),
23. an annual bonus
24. an entitlement to capital-accumulation benefits,
25. a promotion of voluntary commitment,
26. low-cost participation in university sports and a full range of fitness activities as part of Unifit, as well as workplace health management
You can find more jobs at
In exceptional cases, we will also accept your application documents in paper form addressed to: The President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany, or via mail to
Information and FAQ about applying for a job offer:
The University of Kassel is very interested in the professional satisfaction of its employees. It is distinguished as a family-friendly university and, in the interests of equal opportunities, strives to offer everyone the same opportunities for development and to counteract existing disadvantages. It promotes the Family Welcome Service and also the Dual Career Service for positions that are scientifically and academically filled. One of the strategic goals of the University of Kassel is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Seriously handicapped and equivalent applicants are given preference if they have the same suitability, qualifications and professional performance. Full-time positions are generally divisible (except when filling civil servant positions). Applications indicating the Position Number, which may be in digital form, should be sent to the President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany quoting the applicable reference number.