The University of Kassel is a modern and growing University with round about 21.000 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 – research group (Prof. Dr. Marcel Mudrich), the following job vacancy is to be filled as of 01.01.2026:
researcher employee (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H, termed initially, part-time (currently 20 working hours)
Application deadline:
18.11.2025
Date of hire:
01.01.2026
vacancy number: 38822
Part-time, with half the regular working hours of a full-time employee. The position is initially limited until 30.09.2028, as part of the project "TR-PECDELI: A setup for time-resolved photoelectron circular dichroism experiments at ELI beamlines" in accordance with Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetztes. This position offers the opportunity to graduate with a PhD degree.
In the group lead by Prof. Mudrich we address the following fundamental questions by conducting experiments with lasers and synchrotron radiation on molecular and nanoparticle beams:
1. What are the fundamental interaction processes of free molecules and 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 molecules and nanoparticles?
3. Can we use this knowledge to exploit naturally occurring light-matter interactions for technological or medical developments, particularly with regard to atmospheric and biology-related processes?
The aim of this project is to develop and apply a new methodology for the investigation of chiral molecules and molecular clusters. This involves the generation of higher harmonics from intense ultrashort laser pulses, whereby the polarization of the generated extreme ultraviolet (EUV) pulses should be freely adjustable. An important part of the project consists of the precise characterization of the pulse polarization. With such circularly polarized pulses, the chirality of molecules and nanoparticles can be measured using photoelectron circular dichroism (PECD). By combining circularly polarized EUV pulses with visible and UV pulses in the so-called pump-probe scheme, PECD measurements can even be performed in a time-resolved fashion. Such measurements are carried out on various molecular and cluster beams as part of short, intensive measurement campaigns. The experimental work in this project will largely take place at the ELI Beamlines Laser Centre in Dolní Břežany near Prague. Therefore, willingness to spend extended periods of time at ELI Beamlines is a prerequisite for employment within this project.
Tasks:
4. Scientific collaboration in the above-mentioned project
5. Experimental investigations of chiral molecules and nanoparticles using photoelectron circular dichroism
6. Participation in measurement campaigns at ELI Beamlines near Prague major as well as at other international research facilities in Germany and Europe (mainly ASTRID2 in Aarhus, also SOLEIL near Paris, MAX-IV in Lund)
7. Data analysis, interpretation, modeling, and writing of scientific publications
8. Participation in the maintenance and development of the group's infrastructure
9. Participation in the external presentation of the group and Physics Department and the communication of our research to the public
Requirements:
10. Completed university degree in physics, chemistry or nanoscience. The required qualification must be in place by the start date at the latest
11. A high level of organizational and teamwork skills
The following skills are advantageous:
12. Good knowledge of optics, laser physics, atomic and molecular physics
13. Experience in using laser radiation, photoelectron spectrometers, vacuum technology, data analysis
14. 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
15. you will be offered an interesting and diverse range of tasks within the framework of a modern and ambitious university,
16. you will be part of an interdisciplinary team with a good and collegial working atmosphere,
17. you will have the opportunity to participate in professional and interdisciplinary further education measures,
18. 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:
19. an additional company pension (VBL),
20. an optional child supplement in accordance with TV-Hessen, a family-friendly university (including childcare for emergencies),
21. an annual bonus
22. an entitlement to capital-accumulation benefits,
23. a promotion of voluntary commitment,
24. 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.