Clausthal University of Technology is a research-intensive university with strong national and international networks. Its approximately 80 professors, 1,100 staff members, and 3,000 students benefit from short communication channels, a personal atmosphere, and the stunning landscape of the Harz Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the region’s largest employer, Clausthal University of Technology is the most important economic driver and fosters cultural diversity and internationalism. Clausthal University of Technology is fully committed to the overarching theme of the “circular economy” and aims to contribute to the development of a sustainable society in the digital age through research, teaching, and administration.
At the Institute for Non-Metallic Materials of the Clausthal University of Technology is seeking to fill the position of a
Research associate (m/f/d) in the field of glass materials
starting on March 1, 2027, salary grade 13 TV-L, part-time 75% (29,85 hours per week), fixed-term until 28th of february 2030.
Salary classification is based on the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Public Service of the German States (TV-L). Depending on personal qualifications and assigned duties, the position will be classified up to pay grade 13 TV-L.
In fundamental research, an understanding of glass strength is crucial for clarifying the atomic kinetics of bond failure and stress-corrosion cracking at the crack tip. The precise measurement of crack propagation rates, combined with the analysis of dissipative effects such as ‘internal friction’ – the energy loss resulting from viscoelastic or structural rearrangements of the amorphous network under mechanical stress – provides the crucial data for the quantitative characterisation of subcritical crack growth and its control at the atomic level. This is where the Franco-German research project (ANR-DFG), in collaboration with the CEA in Paris-Saclay and the BAM in Berlin, comes in, by investigating the mixed-alkali effect as a structural lever: The targeted introduction of two dissimilar alkali ions under mechanical stress triggers relaxation processes induced by site exchange, which are expected to measurably reduce crack growth at the crack tip. If this energy dissipation can be controlled at the molecular level, it will open up a groundbreaking approach to the development of high-strength glasses.
Area of responsibility
- research and development in the above-mentioned field
- working in a Franco-German team of researchers
- working with large-scale research equipment
- publishing your findings and presenting them at international conferences
Employment requirements
The following are required:
- an excellent Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering, Earth Sciences, Physics, Chemistry or a related discipline
- Interest in conducting research as part of a doctorate program
- an independent, structured approach to work
- the ability to grasp new concepts quickly
- an enthusiasm for scientific work
- good written and spoken German
- good written and spoken English
The following are desirable:
- experience and/or prior knowledge in the field of glass materials
- experience with standard techniques for material characterisation, such as electron microscopy, optical spectroscopy and Raman scattering
- experience with standard tools for analysing and presenting materials science experiments
What we offer
- a varied and challenging role in the dynamic environment of a university
- salary in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement for the public sector of the German states (TV-L), as well as an annual bonus at year-end under the TV-L and a separate supplementary pension plan (VBL), 30 days of vacation, and time off on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
- work-life balance through flexible work arrangements, part-time options, and remote work within the scope of institutional possibilities
- employee health management, university sports programs, and corporate benefits
- future-oriented development and training opportunities
- the opportunity to actively contribute to the further development of our university
- all the benefits of public sector employment
Have we piqued your interest?
Please apply with your complete application documents on our website by clicking the “Online Application” button (see below).
Equality in all its forms, equal opportunity, diversity, and family-friendliness are important priorities for Clausthal University of Technology. Candidates with severe disabilities will be given priority if they are otherwise qualified. We welcome applications from people of all nationalities.
We look forward to seeing you!
contact:
If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Joachim Deubener ().
Applications, accompanied by the usual supporting documents in one PDF-file, may be submitted via our online portal (see below) no later than 2026-12-01.
Unfortunately, application fees are non-refundable. Application materials will be destroyed in accordance with legal requirements once the selection process has been completed. Please review our privacy policy regarding the application process at .