The University of Kassel is a modern and growing University with round about 21.000 students. The university’s wide range of expertise covers subjects in the natural, applied, cultural and social sciences.

In Department Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Chemistry - Computational Chemistry of Nanomaterials (Prof. Dr. Guido Falk von Rudorff), the following position is available as soon as possible:

Research Assistant (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H, fixed term-position, part-time (currently 30 hours per week)

Application deadline:
20.02.2026

Date of hire: as soon as possible

vacancy number: 39077
Part-time position with 75,00 percent the working hours of a full-time employee. The position is limited until December 31, 2029, as part of the project “Extreme Light for the Analysis and Control of Molecular Chirality (ELCH),” subproject “Origin of Chiroptic Properties,” in accordance with the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG). The opportunity to pursue a doctorate is available.

In this project, we develop machine learning models for prediction of optical properties of chiral molecules based on DFT/CCSD data which we calculate ourselves. We include derivative information by computationally perturbing chiral molecules by smoothly exchanging or adding functional groups or by replacing atoms with those of a different element to understand which changes in molecular structures or solvent environment are responsible for which change in several chiroptical properties at once. Our particular interpolation between molecular systems offers a new way to quantitatively assign the impact of molecular fragments on chiroptical properties. In collaboration with experimental and theoretical groups of this CRC, this aims at tracing the common origin of distinct chiroptical properties to individual atomic many-body contributions.

Tasks:

• Independent scientific collaboration on the above-mentioned project
• Data analysis and interpretation, numerical modeling, and preparation of scientific publications
• Participation in the maintenance and development of the department’s infrastructure
• Participation in the department’s public outreach and communication of our research to the general public

Requirements:

• Completed university degree within the field of Physics, Chemistry, Nanomaterials or equivalent. The required degree must be available by the recruitment date at the latest.
• Fluent in English, both written and oral
• Experience with atomistic electronic structure calculations
• Programming skills

Advantages are:

• Prior knowledge of atomic and molecular physics
• Thorough and independent working style
• Knowledge of Python
• German language skills

For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Guido Falk von Rudorff, Tel.: +49 561 804-4762.

In the event of any differences between the German and English versions of this call for application, the German wording is legally binding.

Our Offer:

As an employee of the University of Kassel

• you will be offered an interesting and diverse range of tasks within the framework of a modern and ambitious university,
• you will be part of an interdisciplinary team with a good and collegial working atmosphere,
• you will have the opportunity to participate in professional and interdisciplinary further education measures,
• is your workplace with good connections to public transport, which you can currently use free of charge.

In addition, you will benefit from the advantages of employment in the public service such as:

• an additional company pension (VBL),
• an optional child supplement in accordance with TV-Hessen, a family-friendly university (including childcare for emergencies),
• an annual bonus
• an entitlement to capital-accumulation benefits,
• a promotion of voluntary commitment,
• low-cost participation in university sports and a full range of fitness activities as part of Unifit, as well as workplace health management

You can find more jobs at stellen.uni-kassel.de

Please send your application with the usual informative documents, stating the reference number in the subject line, via the online form. We have compiled further information for you in our .

In exceptional cases, we will also accept your application documents in paper form addressed to: The President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany, or via mail to , stating the reference number.

In the case of postal applications, please submit only copies of your documents (no folders), as these cannot be returned. All documents will be destroyed after completion of the selection process in compliance with data protection regulations.

The protection of your personal information is very important to us, so we will handle your personal information with care. By your application, you allow us the storage and use in the sense of the Hessian Data Protection and Freedom of Information Act. You can object to this at any time. Your personal data will be deleted.

Information according to Art. 13 DSGVO for the application process at the University of Kassel can be found at:

Information and FAQ about applying for a job offer:

The University of Kassel is very interested in the professional satisfaction of its employees. It is distinguished as a family-friendly university and, in the interests of equal opportunities, strives to offer everyone the same opportunities for development and to counteract existing disadvantages. It promotes the Family Welcome Service and also the Dual Career Service for positions that are scientifically and academically filled. One of the strategic goals of the University of Kassel is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Seriously handicapped and equivalent applicants are given preference if they have the same suitability, qualifications and professional performance. Full-time positions are generally divisible (except when filling civil servant positions). Applications indicating the Position Number, which may be in digital form, should be sent to the President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany quoting the applicable reference number.