Research Associate "Characterisation of high-entropy nanostructures utilizing modern X-ray methods" § 28 Subsection 1 HmbHG

Institution: Cluster of Excellence „CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter“ (photon and nanosciences)

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01.01.2027, fixed for a period of three years. (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline: 2026-11-19

Scope of work: part-time

Weekly hours: 75 % 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, particularly a doctoral dissertation. At least one-third of set working hours will be made available for the research associate’s own academic work.

Teaching duties currently comprise 3.0 teaching hours per week.

We invite a highly motivated candidate to develop innovative synthetic methods for producing high-quality high-entropy nanostructures—including particles and thin films—and to uncover their emergent nanoscale properties. This position sits at the interface of materials synthesis, advanced nanoscale characterization, and state-of-the-art experiments at large-scale X-ray facilities. A core part of the project will be to design experiments and carry them out at synchrotrons and XFELs, together with other cutting-edge characterization approaches. The goal is to study structure and dynamics in situ/operando and to establish how nanoscale structure governs material performance—knowledge that directly enables materials design for energy conversion and environmental technologies. The successful candidate will work with a high degree of independence while collaborating closely with group members, members of Cluster of Excellence ‚CUI: Advanced Imaging of Matter and external facility teams.

Key responsibilities:

synthesize, fabricate, and optimize high-entropy nanostructures (particles and films) with controlled composition and microstructure
characterize structure and properties using established laboratory techniques and advanced analytical tools
plan, prepare, and execute synchrotron/X-ray experiments, including sample preparation, experiment support, and iterative optimization
participate in time-resolved in-situ/operando measurements, including data analysis and interpretation in collaboration with experts
contribute to scientific reporting through oral presentations and publications

What you can expect:

hands-on experience with leading experimental platforms (synchrotrons/XFELs) and time-resolved nanoscale characterization
exposure to experiment-driven materials development, from synthesis → characterization → mechanism
opportunities to help shape the direction of a research program focused on tunable, high-performance high-entropy materials

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

Required qualifications:

applicants should hold a Master’s degree in nanoscience, physics, materials science/engineering, or a closely related field
a proven solid foundation in solid-state physics or materials physics
prior experience with synthesis and/or fabrication of nanostructures and structural/functional characterization, e.g., AFM, SEM, TEM, PXRD/RXRD, and/or XAS/XES
demonstrated experience with synchrotron- and/or XFEL-based experiments, including sample preparation and experiment support
strong skills in data analysis and interpretation, ideally including methods such as Rietveld refinement and X-ray spectroscopy workflows and/or codes (e.g., ORCA, FDMNES)

Assets (highly beneficial)

good programming skills and experience handling large datasets, preferably with Python
experience with complementary laboratory techniques such as UV–Vis, FTIR, and TGA
experience with colloidal synthesis and/or high-vacuum equipment and cleanroom workflows

Communication

excellent communication skills are essential. Fluency in English is required, as the position involves collaboration in an international research environment
knowledge of German is an asset

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.

Notice regarding the background check under Section 34a of the Hamburg security clearance act (Gesetz zur Regelung der Sicherheitsüberprüfungen, HmbSÜG): On behalf of the person chosen in the selection procedure, this office submits an inquiry to the state office for the protection of the constitution (Landesamt für Verfassungsschutz) regarding any available findings/information which meet the statutory requirements (background check and data protection information).