Research Associate (m/f/d) - Postdoc

Institute of

Remuneration EG 13

ID18526WE12

Start of employment 1 November 2026

Application deadline30.07.2026

Scope fulltime and fixed term until 30.04.2028

The Institute of Photonics (E-12) conducts research at the forefront of nanophotonics, metasurfaces, and nanoscale light-matter interactions. Our research combines advanced nanofabrication, optical spectroscopy, and theoretical design to develop active and nonlinear photonic nanostructures based on plasmonic, dielectric, and two-dimensional (2D) material platforms. Current research directions include tunable metasurfaces, exciton-photon coupling, nonlinear optical phenomena, and nanoscale light sources. We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with expertise in tunable nanophotonics, ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy, and nonlinear optics to join the Institute of Photonics for an 18-month appointment starting on 1 November 2026. The successful candidate will develop and implement ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy techniques to control light localization and probe light-matter interaction processes on femtosecond timescales. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to internationally competitive research while collaborating closely with graduate students and research partners in Germany and abroad.

YOUR TASKS

• Design and fabricate nanophotonic devices for dynamic metasurface applications
• Perform complex optical spectroscopy and ultrafast pump-probe experiments
• Design, build, and maintain optical setups
• Conduct electromagnetic simulations and analyze experimental data
• Contribute to collaborative research projects and mentor graduate students

YOUR PROFILE

Requirements

• Completed scientific university studies (masters degree or equivalent), in particular in the subject Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science or a related field

Desired knowledge and personal skills

• PhD degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science or a related field
• Proven expertise (both fundamental and practical) in the ultrafast dynamics of exciton-polaritons
• Experience in designing and building momentum resolved spectroscopy/microscopy setups (ideally from scratch)
• Ideally, experience in performing two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy (2DES) experiments
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to coordinate laboratory infrastructure and collaborative research activities

OUR OFFER

• A job in an interesting, friendly and appreciative working environment
• Intensive induction / onboarding
• Flexible and family-friendly working conditions
• Possibility of mobile working
• 30 day vacation per year

At the heart of TU Hamburg’s research, teaching and transfer of technology is the guiding principle of developing technology for people. The TU Hamburg sees itself in this context as a family-friendly and sustainable university with high performance and quality standards that strives for excellence in all its research fields. Interdisciplinarity, innovation, regionality and internationality are binding principles in our actions. With currently around 8.000 students, 110 professors and 1.650 employees, the TU Hamburg is characterised by short decision-making processes and close cooperation between the board, the institutes, the deans of studies, the research areas and the administration. We identify ourselves with a modern leadership culture and cultivate appreciative interaction. Note regarding the Standard Enquiry under Section 34a of the Hamburg Security Clearance Act: The department will submit an enquiry to the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution regarding any information it holds on the person selected in the recruitment process, provided that the legal requirements are met ( and ).

For further information please contact Prof. Andreas Tittl, Tel.-No. +49 40 30601 3247, Email: .

We value diversity, therefore all applications are welcome, regardless of gender, gender identity, ethnic origin, nationality, age, religion and belief, disability, sexual orientation and identity or social background.

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