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The Institute for Nuclear Physics in the Faculty of Physics at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of a

Doctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiterin, salary level E 13 TV-L)

at the earliest possible date. We are offering a fixed-term part-time position (67%) for 3 years. Full-time employees are required to teach 4 hours per week during the semester.

Your tasks:

Join the Münster IceCube group and contribute to exploiting the capabilities of the recently installed IceCube Upgrade, focusing on the multi-PMT Digital Optical Module (mDOM), whose development was spearheaded by the group.

• Analysis of first IceCube Upgrade data;
• Development, implementation, and validation of algorithms for the in-situ position and orientation determination of mDOMs, including simulations of detector response and light propagation, potentially leveraging machine-learning approaches
• Analysis of dedicated calibration data and cross-validation of the obtained results using laboratory measurements and dedicated studies with fully functional mDOMs in close collaboration with international partners;
• Experimental work on the characterization, testing, and R&D for future optical sensors within the IceCube Collaboration;
• Preparation and presentation of scientific results at collaboration meetings, international conferences, and in peer-reviewed publications;
• This position is tied to working towards a doctorate;
• Participation in teaching and supervision of students (bachelor's and master's theses) in related research topics

Our expectations:

• A completed university degree (master's or equivalent) in physics, preferentially in particle or astroparticle physics;
• Strong interest in combining hands-on laboratory work, simulations, and data analysis; first experience with detector instrumentation, electronics, optical systems, or hardware characterization is an advantage;
• Good programming skills in Python and/or C/C++;
• Good written and spoken English skills for collaboration in an international research team;
• A high degree of motivation, initiative, and scientific curiosity, as well as the ability to work both independently and as part of an international team;
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Advantages for you:

• Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – values which are important to us.
• If you have family members or young children in your care, our offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities.
• As an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering opportunities tailored to your individual needs.
• As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (), an and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations.

The University of Münster strongly supports . We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions.

We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.

If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Alexander Kappes (+49 (0) 251 8334996 / ).

Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application (motivation letter, CV, master certificate / transcript of records, 2 contacts for reference letters) by 2026-08-15 at:

Universität Münster
Institut für Kernphysik
Prof. Dr. Alexander Kappes
Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 9
48149 Münster

Applications received after the application deadline may still be considered until the position is filled. You may also send us your application electronically in PDF format to .

Please note that we cannot consider other file formats.

Reference number: 2026_07_20