The University of Kassel is a modern and growing University with round about 21.000 students. The university’s wide range of expertise covers subjects in the natural, applied, cultural and social sciences.

At the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Physics – research group Molecular and Quantum physics with Synchrotron radiation (Prof. Dr. Marcel Mudrich), the following position vacancy is to be filled as soon as possible:

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H), fixed-term position, full-time (currently 40 working hours)

Application deadline:
28.01.2026

Date of hire: as soon as possible

vacancy number: 39014
The position is initially limited to three years (qualification position pursuant to § 72 HessHG i. V § 2 Abs. 1 Satz 2 WissZeitVG). The possibility of habilitation is available.

In research group Molecular and Quantum physics with Synchrotron radiation lead by Prof. Mudrich, we address the following fundamental questions by conducting experiments with synchrotron radiation on molecular and nanoparticle beams:

• What are the fundamental interaction processes of free molecules and molecular complexes with ionizing radiation?
• What can we learn from measured ion mass spectra and photoelectron spectra and from time-dependent signals?
• How can we use theoretical methods and model calculations to understand complex light-induced processes such as photofragmentation after single or multiple ionization, as well as intermolecular energy or charge exchange?
• Can we use this knowledge to harness naturally occurring light-matter interactions for technological or medical developments, particularly with regard to atmospheric and environmentally relevant processes and radiotherapy methods?

The aim of this project is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the interaction of ionizing radiation and ultrashort pulses with complex molecular and nanoscale systems – from isolated molecules and biomolecular clusters to nanoparticles. By combining state-of-the-art laboratory and accelerator-based light sources with advanced imaging spectroscopy methods, fundamental photophysical and photochemical processes such as multiple ionization, energy and charge transfer, and environment-dependent relaxation dynamics are investigated. A key component is the development and application of multiphoton excitation, pump probe, and temporal pulse shaping techniques for ultrashort and ultraviolet (EUV) pulses. These enable sensitive spectroscopic investigation of molecules, clusters, and nanoparticles in the gas phase. These experiments provide new insights into the fundamental mechanisms of radiation-matter interaction and have far-reaching implications for chemistry, biology, atmospheric science, and materials science.

Tasks:

• Scientific collaboration in research and teaching in the field of molecular quantum physics with synchrotron radiation
• Independent work on a research subfield of molecular and nanoparticle spectroscopy using continuous EUV radiation and ultrashort pulse lasers
• Construction and commissioning of a high-repetition femtosecond laser including nonlinear optical components and pulse characterization units
• Further development of a vacuum apparatus including an imaging electron spectrometer
• Development of modern control and monitoring software for molecular and nanoparticle spectroscopy apparatus

Requirements:

• Completed scientific university degree in physics, nanoscience, or chemistry and completed doctorate in physics with a focus on laser spectroscopy. The required degrees must be obtained by the start date at the latest

The following are advantageous:

• Experience with programming experiment control systems using LabVIEW or similar software
• Several years of experience with the setup and operation of femtosecond laser systems and ultrafast optical measurement setups
• Several years of experience in the field of time-resolved and nonlinear spectroscopy

If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Marcel Mudrich, Tel.: +49 561 804-4006, +49522371120.

In the event of any differences between the German and English versions of this call for application, the German wording is legally binding.

Our Offer:

As an employee of the University of Kassel

• you will be offered an interesting and diverse range of tasks within the framework of a modern and ambitious university,
• you will be part of an interdisciplinary team with a good and collegial working atmosphere,
• you will have the opportunity to participate in professional and interdisciplinary further education measures,
• is your workplace with good connections to public transport, which you can currently use free of charge.

In addition, you will benefit from the advantages of employment in the public service such as:

• an additional company pension (VBL),
• an optional child supplement in accordance with TV-Hessen, a family-friendly university (including childcare for emergencies),
• an annual bonus
• an entitlement to capital-accumulation benefits,
• a promotion of voluntary commitment,
• low-cost participation in university sports and a full range of fitness activities as part of Unifit, as well as workplace health management

You can find more jobs at stellen.uni-kassel.de

Please send your application with the usual informative documents, stating the reference number in the subject line, via the online form. We have compiled further information for you in our .

In exceptional cases, we will also accept your application documents in paper form addressed to: The President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany, or via mail to , stating the reference number.

In the case of postal applications, please submit only copies of your documents (no folders), as these cannot be returned. All documents will be destroyed after completion of the selection process in compliance with data protection regulations.

The protection of your personal information is very important to us, so we will handle your personal information with care. By your application, you allow us the storage and use in the sense of the Hessian Data Protection and Freedom of Information Act. You can object to this at any time. Your personal data will be deleted.

Information according to Art. 13 DSGVO for the application process at the University of Kassel can be found at:

Information and FAQ about applying for a job offer:

The University of Kassel is very interested in the professional satisfaction of its employees. It is distinguished as a family-friendly university and, in the interests of equal opportunities, strives to offer everyone the same opportunities for development and to counteract existing disadvantages. It promotes the Family Welcome Service and also the Dual Career Service for positions that are scientifically and academically filled. One of the strategic goals of the University of Kassel is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Seriously handicapped and equivalent applicants are given preference if they have the same suitability, qualifications and professional performance. Full-time positions are generally divisible (except when filling civil servant positions). Applications indicating the Position Number, which may be in digital form, should be sent to the President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany quoting the applicable reference number.