Postdoctoral Researcher

The group “Physics of molecular and biological matter” at the University of Tübingen is searching for a

post-doctoral researcher (m/f/d, E13 TV-L, 100%)

The position is for two years.

The research group of Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Frank Schreiber at the University of Tübingen is working on the physics of molecular and biological matter using X-ray and neutron scattering for structure and dynamics of these systems. For more information, see soft-matter.uni-tuebingen.de. Currently we are looking for a post-doctoral researcher to perform state-of-art X-ray and neutron scattering experiments on various soft-matter systems.

Qualification and skills

Candidates should have good communication skills and motivation to familiarize themselves with new subject areas. The role requires both independent work and effective collaboration, particularly during measurement campaigns at synchrotron and neutron facilities. Experience with programming languages such as Python is advantageous. Practical laboratory skills and an enthusiasm for experimental work are highly valued. Participation in teaching activities (e.g., supervising practical courses or tutorials) may also be possible. While knowledge of German is not required, it will be considered a plus.

Your tasks

• development of the X-ray and neutron scattering techniques to study the structure and dynamics of proteins in solutions
• preparation of and participation in X-ray scattering experiments at world leading large-scale facilities for neutrons (ILL in Grenoble, ESS in Lund) and X-rays (PETRA III and EuXFEL in Hamburg, ESRF in Grenoble and others)
• analysis of the experimental data, ideally connecting to our machine learning tools
• presentation of scientific results on conferences and in publications
• supervision of PhD, master and bachelor students

Requirements

• PhD degree in physics or chemistry, or equivalent obtained outside Germany
• excellent track record
• experience with X-ray/neutron techniques (SAXS, SANS, XPCS etc.) is an advantage
• good written and spoken English
• ability to work both independently and in a team

Benefits

You will be working in an international research group at the Institute of Applied Physics together with experienced scientists. The group offers well-equipped laboratories and a highly collaborative international environment. You will contribute to the top scientific experiments and develop new tools for data analysis. In addition to the main research project, you will be able to test your own research ideas using the unique experimental equipment in our laboratories and large-scale international facilities (such as synchrotron and neutron sources). The positions offered provide access to challenging and interdisciplinary projects integrated into large national and European research consortia such as the DAPHNE (DAta for PHoton and Neutron Experiments) NFDI consortium and the Cluster of Excellence "Machine Learning: New Perspectives for Science". Details of the research activities as well as publications and background information are available on the group website: soft-matter.uni-tuebingen.de

Additional comments

The University of Tübingenuni-tuebingen.de is one of Germany's Universities of Excellence. It provides top-level research and teaching aimed at finding solutions to future challenges in a globalized society. The University has around 28,000 students and more than 500 years of academic tradition. It is continuously placed among Germany’s best in national and international rankings.

Tübingen is one of the classical "university towns" in Germany. It is located next to Stuttgart - the capital of the state Baden-Württemberg. It is well-connected to the neighboring cities and the international Stuttgart airport via train lines and busses. It is known for its vibrant life, cultural events, historical architecture and beautiful nature.

The University seeks to raise the number of women in research and teaching and therefore emphatically calls on qualified women to apply. Disabled candidates will be given preference over other equally qualified applicants. The university is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. It therefore takes individual situations into account and asks for relevant information. The employment will be handled by the central administration of the University of Tübingen.

Applications should be accompanied by a cover letter describing motivation, skills and any special achievements. Furthermore, a CV and a transcript of records should be added. The position is to be filled immediately. The deadline for the application is 31.10.2026. Please send your application in one PDF file to softmatter@ifap.uni-tuebingen.de.