Research Associate for the Project “Deciphering Writings Composed of Carbon-Based Inks Using Laboratory X-Ray Phase-Contrast Imaging” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution: Cluster of Excellence „Understanding Written Artefacts“

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01.01.2027, fixed until 30.06.2030 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline: 2026-08-23

Scope of work: part-time

Weekly hours: 75 % of standard work hours per week

The Cluster of Excellence ‘Understanding Written Artefacts’ (UWA) is looking for a doctoral researcher in the field of X-ray phase-contrast imaging. UWA offers an exciting opportunity to research handwritten artefacts across materials, periods and regions within a collaborative team of doctoral, postdoctoral and senior/professorial researchers. You will be part of an international team of researchers from across over forty disciplines in the Humanities, the Natural Sciences and Computer Science. The Centre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures is by now the largest research centre of its kind worldwide and offers a uniquely dynamic research environment.

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities.

Your core responsibility is to pursue your research project. You will actively contribute to the cluster’s interdisciplinary Graduate School and collaborative research activities. Activities include participation in research meetings, organising scholarly events and developing relevant networks.

About the project: X-ray imaging is a non-invasive technique that allows to investigate the inner structure of samples without destructive sample preparation. However, certain writings composed of carbon-based inks are often difficult to separate from their support and require more advanced X-ray analytical methods. The aim of the project is to investigate the applicability of X-ray phase-contrast imaging to enhance the X-ray optical contrast required to visualize writings using carbon-based inks in layered structures, such as bookbinding boards, mummy cartonnage, or damaged compact stacks of leaves.

In a collaboration between the Mobile Lab at the Centre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures and DESY, a new laboratory environment optimized for X-ray phase-contrast imaging (XPCI) will be developed. Responsibilities in this phase will include the design, implementation and commissioning of the new setup. Its performance will be demonstrated using magnified XPCI on mock-up and cultural heritage samples.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

A university degree (Master or equivalent) in physics or a closely related discipline is preferred. You have a strong background in experimental physics and interest to develop new imaging modalities for applications in cultural heritage.

Fluent written and spoken English is required. Further preferred qualifications and experience include:

• programming experience (Python preferred)
• X-ray imaging
• Fourier optics
• inverse problem solving (tomography, phase retrieval, mathematical modelling)
• structured and independent working style
• collaborative skills and creativity, and an interest in working across disciplinary boundaries
• willingness to travel

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

The successful candidate can benefit from a range of tailored support measures at the Cluster, which include,

• enrolment in the clusters with an interdisciplinary structured PhD programme
• additional funding for a range of research activities, including fieldwork
• doctoral mentoring programmes
• workshops to support your academic skills as well as your career planning
• promoting

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.

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 ( and ).

Instructions for applying

Contact

Andreas Schropp

Claudia Colini

Location

Notkestraße 85
22607 Hamburg

Reference number

213

Application deadline

2026-08-23

Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:

• cover letter
• CV
• copies of degree certificate(s)

Interviews are scheduled for the period between 01.09.2026 and 14.09.2026.

If you experience technical problems, send an email to .

More information on in selection procedures.