Creating knowledge. Making a difference. Shaping the future. This is what the University of Münster stands for as one of the strongest research-oriented universities in Germany and one of the largest employers in the region. Every day, over 7,000 employees devote themselves to cutting-edge research and excellent teaching. We share more than a workplace. We share the desire to make a real impact – regionally and internationally. Our day-to-day work is distinguished by diversity, openness and space to pursue one’s ideas. Become a part of our team – in academia, a technical or manual trade, or administration.
The research group of Prof Tobias Heindel from the Department for Quantum Technology in the Faculty of Physics at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of a

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiterin, salary level E 13 TV-L, 100%)

for the externally funded project ORQID (funded by BMFTR—Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space) at the earliest possible date. We are offering a fixed-term full-time position for the duration of the project, expected to end on September 30, 2029. The appointment is subject to the final approval of funding by the BMFTR.

Your tasks:

• Contribute to the scientific objectives and milestones of the ORQID project
• Coordinate the set-up and operation of experiments for the photophysical characterization of molecules/proteins by means of fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) and time-correlated single-photon counting experiments
• Working with microscopes, lasers, electrical instruments, cryogenic environments, programming experimental control systems and software.
• Execution, evaluation and interpretation of experiments on fluorescent proteins from the ensemble to the quantum limit
• Conceptualization and execution of temperature- and magnetic field-dependent studies on the photophysics and spin properties of proteins
• Writing of project reports and organization/participation of/in project meetings
• Publication of research results in leading international journals and presentation of results at scientific conferences
• Supervision of Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD students
• Close synergetic interaction with team members at the University of Münster, external project partners, and collaborating groups.

Our expectations:

• A graduate degree (i.e. German Diplom and/or master’s degree) and a doctorate, both in biophysics/-technology, biomedical engineering, physics, or a closely related field, are required
• In-depth knowledge and practical experience in the field of quantum optics of quantum emitters (in particular semiconductor quantum dots and defect centers) and/or the photophysics of luminescent molecules/proteins are indispensable
• Experience with high-level programming languages, preferably LabVIEW and Python (or similar), is mandatory
• Basic knowledge in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, medical biosensor technology, or alternatively, the willingness to obtain it, are desirable
• Experience as a supervisor and teaching assistant capable of supervising students is desirable.
• You should be team-oriented, have good communication skills, organisational skills, scientific writing and presentation skills and the ability to work independently
• German language skills are not a requirement, but a willingness to learn is desirable

Advantages for you:

• Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – values which are important to us.
• Our broad range of diverse work-time models offers great flexibility – also when working from home.
• 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.
• From A – Z, Aikido to Zumba, our ensure a healthy work-life balance.
• 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. Part-time options are generally available.

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 Ms Christina Klein ().

Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 2026-09-25, containing the usual documents (cover letter, CV, references), via the online application form.

Reference number: 2026_09_02