Research Associate

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.The following position is to be filled as soon as possible in the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Physics – Molecular Quantum Physics with Synchrotron Radiation (Prof. Dr. Marcel Mudrich): Research Associate (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H, fixed-term, part-time (currently 20 hours per week) Application deadline: 04.01.2026 Date of hire: as soon as possible vacancy number: 38949 Part-time work with half the regular working hours of a full-time employee. The aim is to increase working hours to 75.00 percent. The position is initially limited until 31.01. 2029, within the framework of the project “Evolution of chiroptics under controlled conditions of nano-solvation and aggregation in superfluid helium nanodroplets,” which is part of the DFG Collaborative Research Center ELCH, in accordance with § 2 Abs. 1 Satz 1 bzw. Satz 2 WissZeitVG. The opportunity to pursue a doctorate or postdoctoral lecturing qualification (Habilitation) is available. In the Cluster Dynamics group lead by Prof. Mudrich we address the following fundamental questions by conducting experiments with lasers and synchrotron radiation on molecular and nanoparticle beams: What are the fundamental interaction processes of free molecules and nanoparticles in the gas phase with ionizing radiation? 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? 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 explore a novel experimental approach for investigating the chirality of molecules in defined environments – photoelectron circular dichroism (PECD) of chiral species embedded in superfluid helium nanodroplets. This approach leverages the unique properties of helium nanodroplets – ultra-low temperature (0.4 K), weak interaction with embedded species, efficient pick-up of molecules, and controlled aggregation – thus opening up a new class of experimental investigations of fragile chiral species such as amino acids and their clusters. In particular, the low temperature of the helium nanodroplets could enhance the PECD contrast and simplify the interpretation of the results. The planned experiments will be conducted both in laboratories at the University of Kassel and at international synchrotron and laser research facilities, such as the SOLEIL synchrotron near Paris, ELI beamlines near Prague, and the MAX-IV synchrotron in Lund. Tasks: Scientific collaboration in the above-mentioned project Experimental investigations of chiral molecules and nanoparticles using synchrotron radiation and measurements of photoelectron circular dichroism Active and self-responsible participation in measurement campaigns at the SOLEIL synchrotron radiation source near Paris, MAX-IV in Lund, ASTRID2 in Aarhus, and at ELI Beamlines near Prague Data analysis, interpretation, modeling, and writing of scientific publications Participation in the maintenance and development of the group's infrastructure Participation in the external presentation of the group and Physics Department and the communication of our research to the public Requirements: Completed university degree in physics, chemistry or nanoscience. The required degree must be in place by the start date at the latest In addition to employment for habilitation: Completed doctorate in physics, chemistry, or nanoscience High level of organizational and teamwork skills The following skills are advantageous: Good knowledge of synchrotron science and atomic and molecular physics Experience in synchrotron beamtimes, vacuum apparatuses, ion and electron spectrometers, data analysis 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 you will be offered an interesting and diverse range of tasks within the framework of a modern and ambitious university, you will be part of an interdisciplinary team with a good and collegial working atmosphere, you will have the opportunity to participate in professional and interdisciplinary further education measures, 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: an additional company pension (VBL), an optional child supplement in accordance with TV-Hessen, a family-friendly university (including childcare for emergencies), an annual bonus an entitlement to capital-accumulation benefits, a promotion of voluntary commitment, 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.