Scientific Researcher Photonics

Job advertisement

Vacancy /2026. Closing date: .

Commencing as early as possible, we offer a full-time position (40 hours per week) as a fixed‑term position for 5 years.

The appointee is expected to establish an independent research group in a modern field of optics. While this is an open topic call, connections between the new junior research group and the existing research group for Nano & Quantum Optics are explicitly desired. The new junior research group will be associated to the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy.

This call focuses on strengthening diversity in science.

• Establish an independent research area in photonics connected to the laboratory of Nano & Quantum Optics.
• Teaching in the education programs of the Abbe School of Photonics () and the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy (MSc Photonics, MSc Quantum Science and Technology, MSc Photon Science and Technology, MSc Physics, BSc Physics) with a scope of 4 contact hours per week.
• Work on your own scientific qualification project.

• You should already have proven your potential for excellent science by an outstanding quality of your Doctorate/PhD research in photonic science or related fields. A successful postdoc period is highly appreciated.
• You should demonstrate the ability to supervise students and the leadership potential to run a research team.
• Knowledge of German is an advantage, but due to the international character of the research environment not strictly necessary.

• You will be supported to establish your independent research program by access to the existing research infrastructure and personnel of the Abbe Center of Photonics, by access to internal funding calls, as well as by strong support to apply for additional external funding for your research.
• The Abbe Center of Photonics offers an outstanding interdisciplinary network of potential cooperation partners, combining university and non‑university research as well as science and business.
• You will be supported in your endeavour to strengthen diversity in photonics by a consortium of international partners, including ANU‑Australian National University, TUD‑Technical University Delft, BPHOT‑Vrije Universiteit Brussel, LENS‑European Laboratory for Non‑linear Spectroscopy, and ICFO‑The Institute of Photonic Sciences.
• The Friedrich Schiller University provides a family‑friendly working environment with flexible working options as well as a university scheme for the promotion of career, health, and well‑being.
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV‑L) at / up to salary scale 13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31.

The advertised position is offered as a fixed‑term position for a maximum of 5 years.

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week).

In principle, the job is also suitable for part‑time employment. The extent to which a part‑time request can be granted, in particular with regard to the location and scope of the part‑time work, will be assessed on the basis of the needs of the service.

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by March 22, 2026 using our online form.

For further information for applicants and the information on the collection of personal data, please refer to Data privacy and information for applicants.