17.11.2025

PhD student / doctoral candidate (m/f/d, E13 TV-L, 65%)

Faculty of Science, Institute of Applied Physics

Bewerbungsfrist: 28.02.2026

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

PhD student / doctoral candidate in Physics (m/f/d, E13 TV-L, 65%)

The position is limited for three years.

Description of the project
The research group of Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Frank Schreiber at the University of Tübingen works on the physics of molecular and biological matter using X-ray and neutron scattering. The main research areas are materials for photovoltaics, proteins in solutions and at the interfaces, complex nano-structured materials and machine learning tools for the efficient analysis of the experimental data. For more information, visit our web page www.soft-matter.uni-tuebingen.de 

We are looking for a motivated PhD student to contribute to the studies of protein dynamics. In this project, we seek to understand the structure and dynamics of protein molecules in concentrated solutions. The candidate will use Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (XPCS), Quasi-Elastic Neutron Scattering (QENS) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) techniques to study the structure and dynamics of proteins in solutions.

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

• Preparation of the samples using the laboratory equipment available in our group
• Preliminary characterization of the samples and devices using laboratory X-ray setups and other techniques
• Participation in X-ray scattering experiments at world leading large-scale X-ray and neutron facilities (e.g. PETRA III and EuXFEL in Hamburg, ESRF and ILL in Grenoble and others), analysis of the experimental data
• Presentation of the scientific results on conferences and in publications

Requirements

• Master’s degree in physics or chemistry, or equivalent
• Interest in materials science
• Good written and spoken English
• Ability to work both independently and in a team
• Programming skills (Python) and lab working experience are strong advantages.

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). Details of the research activities as well as publications and background information are available on the group website: https://www.soft-matter.uni-tuebingen.de

Additional comments
The University of Tübingen 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 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 student 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 28.02.2026. Please send your application in one PDF file to softmatterspam prevention@ifap.uni-tuebingen.de