Research Associate

We are seeking to appoint, as as soon as possible,

at the Institute for Integrated Natural Sciences, Department of

Physics, Materials Physics Research Group,

a research associate (m/f/d)

The University of Koblenz is the youngest university in Germany – while also preserving a long-standing academic tradition. A multi-

tude of transdisciplinary research projects spanning several institutions concentrated on a com-pact campus favourably affects our

university routine. As the interdisciplinary university in the north of Rhineland-Palatinate with more than 9,400 students, we live the

knowledge – transformation – innovation triad in our four profile areas "Education", "Computer Science", "Culture and its Mediation"

as well as "Material and Environment". We provide and conduct state-of-the-art teacher-training studies for all school types and

maintain the transfer of our research results to civic society and regional businesses in a resilient and sustainable way. Join an aspir-

ing university community and aid in advancing our further growth

The full-time position (currently 39 hours/week) is initially

limited to three years. It is based in the Material Physics re-

search group within Faculty 3 – Mathematics/Natural Sciences.

Employment is subject to the provisions of the German Aca-

demic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG). Scientific further

qualification is strongly supported.

Your Responsibilities:


Participation in research projects of the Material Physics

group, with a focus on experimental polymer physics at

the interface between biology and medicine.


In particular, the use of fluorescence correlation spectros-

copy (FCS):

• to investigate the release kinetics of nanoparticulate

drug carriers, focusing on natural substances for can-

cer therapy and their transport and release in the di-

gestive tract and bloodstream.

• to study the formation of biofilms on polymer surfac-

es, with emphasis on medical and biotechnological

applications (e.g. implants, bioreactors), the degrada-

tion of biopolymers, and interactions between bio-

films and nanoplastics.


Conducting dynamic measurements using light scattering,

as well as structural and spectroscopic analyses using

atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron micros-

copy (SEM), UV-VIS spectroscopy, and high-performance

liquid chromatography (HPLC), as well as the application

of dynamic mechanical methods (e.g. to assess biofilm

stability).


Laboratory responsibility, including maintenance of the

experimental equipment in the Material Physics group; in

particular, maintenance and further development of an in-

house built fluorescence correlation spectrometer.


Participation in securing third-party funding.


Regular compilation and presentation of research results

in reports and project meetings.


Active participation in scientific exchange with colleagues

and at conferences.


Contribution to teaching (experimental physics) in various

physics degree programmes, with a teaching load of 8

contact hours per week.


Participation in examinations and supervision of theses.

Your Qualifications:


A successfully completed university degree (excluding

Bachelor's degree) in Physics or a related field from a uni-

versity or equivalent institution.


A completed PhD (Doctorate) in Physics or a related disci-

pline.


Very good theoretical and preferably practical knowledge

in the field of optics and/or spectroscopy (preferably fluo-

rescence spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, dynamic

light scattering).


Knowledge in at least one of the following areas: polymer

science, biophysics, medical physics, or chemistry.


Ability to work independently, strong communication and

collaboration skills, teamwork abilities, and willingness to

engage with new research topics.


Technical aptitude and enthusiasm for experimental work.


Good command of English (spoken and written) and

strong organisational skills.


Knowledge of LabVIEW, MATLAB, and/or Python is an ad-

vantage.


Knowledge of the German language is an advantage.

What we offer:


Integration into a research-active, well-networked envi-

ronment with good research infrastructure.


A stimulating and varied range of responsibilities within

a collegial team that values open communication


Remuneration according to pay group 13 TV-L.


Usual social benefits in the general public sector accord-

ing to TV-L (annual special payment, pension scheme

(VBL)).


Compatibility of family and work, flexible working hours


Varied sports program with health-promoting offers.


Extensive opportunities for further education and train-

ing.

The University of Koblenz welcomes applications from all

age groups, regardless of gender identity, disability, ethnic

or cultural background, religion, ideology or sexual orienta-

tion. We aim to increase the proportion of women and are

therefore particularly interested in applications from wom-

en. In the event of under-representation, women with

equivalent aptitude and qualifications will be given preferen-

tial consideration. Severely handicapped persons will be giv-

en preferential consideration if their professional and per-

sonal qualifications are otherwise equal.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Silke

Rathgeber (e-mail: -, phone: 0261

Please, send your informative documents by ,

quoting the reference number 134/2025, exclusively by e-

mail in one PDF file to:

-

Please, refrain from sending in application photos. We do

not send confirmations of receipt. At the end of the proce-

dure, the application documents will be destroyed in com-

pliance with data protection regulations.