Founded in 1607, Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) is a research university rich in tradition. Inspired by curiosity about the unknown, we enable around 25,000 students and 5,800 employees to advance science for society. Join us in breaking new ground and writing success stories - your own and those of our university.

Support us from 01.02.2026 in full-time as a

Research Associate (Postdoctoral researcher) (m/f/d)
in the field of experimental nuclear physics

The position is part of the externally funded project "JLU-GSI-FAIR" at the at the Chair of Experimental Nuclear Physics, II. Institute of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, Physics, Geography. The position is limited until 31.12.2027, with the option of an extension by one year. The salary is in accordance with the collective labour agreement of the State of Hessen (E 13 TV-H).

The research group studies the structure and properties of exotic (short-lived) nuclei far off stability. A leading laboratory in this field is the GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research in Darmstadt, Germany and in the future the Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR), currently under construction. At GSI and FAIR, such nuclei are produced at the fragment separators FRS and Super-FRS, respectively, and are investigated with sophisticated detector systems. In particular, at the (Super-)FRS Ion Catcher, exotic nuclei are thermalized in a cryogenic gas-filled stopping cell and their mass is measured using a multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer (see: www.windows.gsi.de/frs-ion-catcher ). Experiments include high-accuracy mass measurements, lifetime and branching ratio measurements, and studies of multi-nucleon transfer reactions and spontaneous fission. The successful candidate will be involved in experiments with exotic nuclei using the FRS Ion Catcher and in the construction and commissioning of the Super-FRS Ion Catcher.

Your tasks at a glance

• Preparation, execution and analysis of experiments with exotic nuclei using the FRS Ion Catcher at GSI
• Participation in and contributions to the construction and commissioning of the Super-FRS Ion Catcher
• Implementation of technical upgrades of, and experimental work with, the FRS Ion Catcher
• Scientific simulations
• Further development of data analysis methods

Your qualifications and competences

• Completed Master´s or equivalent university degree and PhD in the field of physics
• Hands-on experience in experimental nuclear physics
• Good analytical and technical skills
• Ability to work systematically, independently as well as in a team, self-motivated
• Computer literacy
• Good communication skills in English (oral and written)
• Experience in several of the following fields: mass spectrometry of exotic nuclei, ion trapping, ion optics, detector technology, electronics, CAD, vacuum technology, cryogenics, data analysis procedures, scientific simulations (e.g., SIMION, LISE++), programming languages (e.g., C++, Python)

Our offer to you

• Research in an international and interdisciplinary environment, both at JLU Gießen and at GSI Darmstadt, a world-wide unique accelerator facility; Main place of work will be at JLU
• Opportunity to development an own research profile
• A varied job with flexible working hours
• Free use of local public transport (LandesTicket Hessen)
• More than 100 training seminars, workshops and e-learning opportunities per year for personal development, as well as a wide range of health and sports activities
• Remuneration according to TV-H, company pension scheme, child allowance and special payments
• Good compatibility of family and career (certificate "audit familiengerechte hochschule")

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Dr. Christoph Scheidenberger by e-mail ( IONAS@physik.uni-giessen.de ).

JLU welcomes qualified applications regardless of biological and social gender, disability, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, age as well as sexual orientation and identity. The JLU aims for a higher proportion of women in accordance with the women's promotion plan. We therefore particularly encourage qualified female candidates to apply. JLU is certified as a family-friendly university. Applications from disabled people of equal aptitude will be given preference.

You want to break new ground with us?

Apply via our online form by December 11 ^th , 2025 , indicating reference number 558/07. Applications should include

• a letter that exhibits the record of accomplishments and expertise, the candidate’s research interest and future goals
• curriculum vitae
• list of publications
• Diploma/MSc/PhD certificates/transcripts
• names of three references