Research Associate for the Project “Cluster of Excellence ‚CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter’ – Imaging attosecond electron dynamics in molecules” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG
InstitutionCluster of Excellence „CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter“ (photon and nanosciences)
Salary level
Start dateas soon as possible, 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]).
Application deadline19.12.2025
Scope of workfull-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.
We are opening a new Research Associate position in the attosecond science team at the Center for Free- Electron LaserScience (CFEL) in Hamburg. In the CFEL-ATTO group we develop advanced attosecond technology with the aim of tracking and controlling electron dynamics in matter. More specifically, our technology allows us to follow charge migration occurring on the attosecond and few-femtosecond time scales in bio-chemically relevant molecules. In this context, the Research Associate will closely work with experts in ultrafast crystallography to develop a new experimental approach to directly image charge dynamics with attosecond and Ångstrom resolution. Additionally, electron dynamics will be traced using attosecond time-resolved X-ray spectroscopic approaches. The work will be primarily conducted at attosecond free-electron laser facilities.
Your profile
A university degree in a relevant field.
1. a PhD in physics, chemistry, or materials science is desirable or, if the doctoral degree has not been awarded yet, an already defended PhD thesis in a relevant field
2. experience with ultrafast lasers and attosecond technology
3. experience with free-electron laser science
4. experimental skills and interest in instrumentation development
5. excellent knowledge of English
6. ability to work as part of a team
We offer
7. Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
8. Continuing education opportunities
9. University pensions
10. Attractive location
11. Flexible working hours
12. Work-life balance opportunities
13. Health management, EGYM Wellpass
14. Educational leave
15. 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.
Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.