T112-2025 - Research Associate / PostDoc (all genders) - Nuclear Physics WG Obertelli

TU Darmstadt stands for excellent and relevant science. We are playing a decisive role in shaping far-reaching processes of global change—from energy transition to artificial intelligence—through outstanding scientific knowledge and innovative academic programmes. We group our cutting-edge research into three fields: Energy and Environment, Information and Intelligence, Matter and Materials. We are a university with strong ties to the Frankfurt Rhine-Main metropolitan region and a very strong international focus. We are committed to European values and European integration.

The Institute of Nuclear Physics currently comprises 18 research groups with around 260 people working in the fields of nuclear structure physics, nuclear astrophysics, relativistic heavy ion physics, plasma and astroparticle physics, accelerator physics and related fields in experiment and theory. Embedded in the “Materials & Matter” research field at TU Darmstadt, it is one of the largest of its kind in the world in this field of research and enjoys a high international reputation. Professor Dr. Obertelli´s working group “Experimental Nuclear Structure Physics” is also active at CERN (Geneva/Switzerland) and RIKEN (Tokyo/Japan) in addition to its location in Darmstadt.

You will hold the function of interface between the working group and the activities at CERN and take a leading role, in particular for the operation and further development of the PUMA project at ELENA and ISOLDE.

Activities will include the coordination of the group's scientific work at CERN, significant support in the field of research on radioactive nuclei and antiprotons and the development of new and further development of existing complex detector systems. In particular, particle traps, various semiconductor detectors, time projection chambers and systems for high-resolution spectroscopy are used. In addition, the job includes taking on scientific administrative tasks, e.g. coordinating cooperation with the collaborations involved and other groups at CERN, defining and implementing occupational health and safety measures and supporting the application for and implementation of third-party funded projects. In addition, the job also includes the scientific supervision of doctoral candidates and students during their final theses, provided they are working at CERN, as well as the support of teaching events, usually in block form.

Due to the special nature of the tasks, you will primarily work at CERN (Geneva, Switzerland) in addition to the Darmstadt location.

In addition to a doctorate in the field of nuclear or particle physics with a grade of at least “very good”, the prerequisite for this position is at least two years' experience as a post-doctoral researcher with outstanding scientific results.

Experience with experiments on the physics of radioactive beams or antiprotons is expected as well as sound knowledge and experience in the specification, development and commissioning of modern detector systems for basic research in nuclear and particle physics, in particular in the field of electronics and data acquisition as well as programming, especially in Python and C++. Knowledge and experience in the fields of ion traps, vacuum technology and laser spectroscopy are also expected.

A high sense of responsibility and a strong ability to coordinate projects and work in a team are also required. Knowledge and experience in teaching and the supervision of scientific theses are desirable.

In addition, knowledge of English to at least C1 level is required. Knowledge of German and French is an advantage; if no German language skills are available the willingness to learn is expected and supported.

The requirements for a long-term secondment to CERN (Geneva/Switzerland) as well as the classification as a person occupationally exposed to radiation of category A must be met.

Technical University of Darmstadt offers varied and challenging assignments, freedom to work independently, the latest technologies, good collaboration between colleagues in partnership, needs-based training opportunities and customised personnel development.

The fulfillment of the duties likewise enables the scientific qualifications of the candidate.

• Development and organisation – comprehensive in-house training offers, including the opportunity for continuing education and development;
• Annual leave/educational leave – 30 days annual leave (full-time employment) and 5 days educational leave;
• Sustainable and mobile – eligibility to free public transport in the state of Hesse with the LandesTicket Hessen (Hesse StateTicket) in accordance with the currently valid collective agreement, in addition to opportunities to working mobile at times;
• Fit and healthy – free of charge preventive medical check-ups and a wide-ranging subsidised sports programme;
• Work-life balance – flexible working time models, plus BGM (Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement – University Health Management);
• Pension scheme – supplementary public service pension scheme (VBL) in accordance with the currently applicable regulations;
• University bicycle
• Family-friendliness/compatibility of family/care/career – (university-run) childcare services, child allowance (based on the collective agreement), childcare programmes during school holidays.

TU Darmstadt intends to increase the number of female employees and encourages female candidates to apply. In case of equal qualifications, applicants with a degree of disability of at least 50 or equal will be given preference. Remuneration is in accordance with the collective agreement for the Technical University of Darmstadt (TV - TU Darmstadt). Part-time employment is generally possible.

By submitting your application, you agree that your data may be stored and processed for the purpose of filling the vacancy. You can find our privacy policy on our webpage.

If you have any questions about this position, please contact Professor Dr. Alexandre Obertelli (e-mail: alexandre.obertelli@tu-darmstadt.de).

The documents to be submitted include a letter of motivation, a curriculum vitae, two letters of recommendation, a list of publications as well as the degree certificates (B.Sc./M.Sc.) and the doctoral certificate. 

We would like to point out that the formation of an application committee will also include persons who do not belong to TU Darmstadt.