InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Physics

Salary levelEGR. 13 TV-L

Start date01.01.2026, fixed until 30.04.2030 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline30.09.2025

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.

Specifically, in the ERC Synergy project "GRAIL” you will take on a leading role in the development of a serial electron diffraction pipeline. This will include both designing and commissioning modified hardware (sample stages, sample transfer) as well as the development of dedicated controls, data collection and data processing software. You will work as part of an interdisciplinary team including nanoscientists, biophysicists and engineers. You will participate in the training and mentoring of students involved in the project. You will take an active role in achieving the scientific goals of the project, and will be expected to publish as a first author and co-corresponding author where appropriate.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field, plus doctorate.

You should have a PhD degree certificate in Physics, Chemistry or a closely related subject.

You should have demonstrable scientific software development expertise including: object-oriented programming (Python, R, C++ or similar), state machines and controls software (i.e. LabVIEW, EPICS), optimization algorithms, user interface design, image processing, data collection pipeline design and physics models. You should have experience in building GUI interfaces and experience in GPU acceleration and use of HPC infrastructure. You should also have practical experience in CAD modelling for machined part design for use in vacuum environments, including parametric CAD, as well as with prototyping 3D printed and machined parts and an understanding of engineering constraints. You should have experience as a user, and preferably as a methods developer, of all stages of a crystallographic experiment, as well as experience in the use of transmission electron microscopes and an understanding of their optics, alignment and operation. You should have extensive experience and expertise in the collecting and processing of diffraction data using non-standard setups (for example at synchrotrons and FELs). You should have experience in macromolecular model building and refinement against diffraction data and ideally experience with time-resolved experiments in structural biology.

We are seeking a candidate with a demonstrated ability to work independently as a software developer (for example primary or sole authorship of a software package) and ability to communicate effectively and work as part of an interdisciplinary team. An ideal candidate will also have a demonstrable track record of meaningful contributions in methodology development for structural biology. Finally, the working language of the GRAIL consortium is English, so excellent written and oral English skills are required. Competence in German will be advantageous but is not required.

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Attractive location
• Flexible working hours
• Work-life balance opportunities
• Health management, EGYM Wellpass
• Educational leave
• 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.

The University of Hamburg strives to increase the number of women in academia, and encourages qualified female academics to apply.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.