Research Associate bei Universität Hamburg

Universität Hamburg

Research Associate § 28 Subsection 1 HmbHG (2 positions)

InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Physical Chemistry

Salary levelEGR. 13 TV-L

Start date01.10.2024, the initial fixed term is three years. (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline18.09.2024

Scope of workpart-time

Weekly hours65 % of standard work hours per week

Your responsibilities

Research associates will be expected primarily to teach and conduct research. The research associate will also have the opportunity to pursue further academic qualifications, in particular a doctoral dissertation. At least one-third of set working hours will be made available for the research associate’s own academic work.

Our research focuses on the chemical synthesis of nanoscale materials and the investigation of their optical, structural, and electronic properties.

Within our research group the successful candidate will be responsible for:

1. Experimental Research:

design and conduct experiments using advanced fluorescence spectroscopy (position one)
- perform precise fluorescence measurements at low temperatures to study the spectroscopic properties of single nanocrystals.
- combine spectroscopy with high resolution structural characterization (TEM, SEM)

design and conduct experiments using Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM) techniques (position two)
- combine KPFM with electrical transport and laser scanning photocurrent microscopy
- combine KPFM with confocal fluorescence spectroscopy

2. Data Analysis and Interpretation:

analyze experimental data using appropriate statistical and computational methods
interpret the results in the context of theoretical models and existing literature
maintain accurate and detailed records of all research activities and findings

3. Method Development:

develop and optimize methodologies for low-temperature fluorescence spectroscopy or KPFM
implement improvements to existing protocols and instrumentation to enhance research outcomes

4. Collaboration and Communication:

work collaboratively with other researchers, both within the group and in interdisciplinary teams
present research findings in group meetings, departmental seminars, and international conferences
prepare manuscripts for publication in high-impact scientific journals

5. Teaching and Mentoring (2,6 LVS):

assist with teaching duties, including laboratory practicals and tutorials, as appropriate
mentor undergraduate and master’s students involved in related projects

6. Compliance and Safety:

ensure compliance with safety regulations and ethical standards in all research activities
actively participate in safety training sessions and maintain a safe working environment

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

The University of Hamburg is seeking two motivated and talented PhD candidates to join our interdisciplinary research team at the Institute of Physical Chemistry. This position offers the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in the field of low-temperature fluorescence spectroscopy or Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM).

Candidates are required to have:

master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, Nano Science or a closely related field
strong background in experimental physics, spectroscopy, or microscopy
experience with low temperature techniques or scanning probe microscopy is highly desirable
excellent problem-solving skills and analytical thinking
proficiency in programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB) is an advantage
good communication skills and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team
proficiency in English; knowledge of German is beneficial but not mandatory

We offer