Research Associate (Postdoc) (f)

External Job Advertisement Reg.-No. 5-3058/26-D

Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg is a modern university with a long-standing tradition in academic

excellence and the largest university in Saxony-Anhalt with approximately 20,000 students, more than 3,000

employees, and a history in education spanning 500 years. We see ourselves as a family-friendly university

and actively support the compatibility of work and family life. The university has been certified as a familyfriendly university since 2009.

The Faculty of Natural Sciences II represents the fields of chemistry, physics, and mathematics in both re-

search and teaching. Research activities focus, among others, on synthetic and biological macromolecules as

well as soft matter. As part of the faculty, we conduct cooperative research and teaching in approximately

30 working groups at the Institutes of Physics and Chemistry, addressing various topics in the physics and

chemistry of diverse materials. Our degree programs are interdisciplinary in their elective modules and specializations, and are based on collaborations that extend across the institutes.

The Faculty of Natural Sciences II, the framework of the externally funded project FEM POWER II of the state

of Saxony-Anhalt, at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, is seeking twofull-time

Research Associate (Postdoc) (f)

for a limited term until 31.12.2028, starting at the earliest possible date.

Remuneration will be determined based on job duties and responsibilities and will be aligned with the

fulfillment of listed personal requirements, up to pay grade 13 under the TV-L (Tarifvertrag für den Öffentlichen Dienst der Länder – ‚German Public Service Pay Agreement for the Federal States‘).

This position is open to women only.

The desired research focus is in experimental physics or physical chemistry of soft matter, with particular

emphasis on polymeric and self-organized materials, which are to be investigated using modern experimental

techniques with regard to their structure and dynamics. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will be affiliated

with one of the research groups in physical chemistry or physics (Profs. Hinderberger, Karg, Saalwächter, or

Thurn-Albrecht). Within this framework, you are expected to pursue an independent research project of your

own choice, supported by your own consumables budget. Furthermore, you have the opportunity to attract

staff positions by applying for appropriate third-party funding. Active interest in participating in ongoing

and future collaborative research projects on soft matter, as well as collaboration with experimental groups

within the faculty, is expected. You will also have the opportunity to gain initial teaching experience necessary

for future academic appointments as part of your position.

Work tasks

• Implementation of a pioneering, novel scientific project on the experimental investigation of the physical

properties of soft condensed matter

• Publication and presentation of results in scientific journals and at national and international conferences
• Teaching activities for professional development as required by the institute (2 SWS), e.g. supervision of

students during research projects or laboratory courses, and delivery of individual lecture units

• Acquisition of third-party funding

• Responsibility for content and supervision of staff (especially doctoral candidates) for self-acquired thirdparty funded projects, including the associated organization of the workplace and activities

The opportunity for personal academic qualification specifically through a Habilitation or an equivalent

achievement is available.

Requirements

• Completed academic university degree and doctorate (PhD) in experimental physics, chemistry, or a related

field

• Excellent knowledge of the physics and chemistry of soft materials, especially polymers
• Experience in investigating the physical properties of soft condensed matter using modern experimental

methods, as evidenced by publications as (potentially shared) first or (co-)corresponding author

• Postdoctoral research interests in a new field of work
• Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and cooperation
• Interest in the acquisition of additional third-party funding
• Excellent teaching skills combined with outstanding communication and presentation abilities
• Ability to work independently
• Leadership skills, ability to work as part of a team, and strong organizational abilities
• Proficiency in German and English language skills

We offer

• interesting and varied fields of activity with creative freedom at the largest employer in the region
• Access to interdisciplinary expertise and shared use of state-of-the-art experimental facilities at Faculty of

Natural Sciences II

• A family-friendly, intercultural, and diversity-oriented working environment, including holiday childcare

(certificate “audit familiengerechte hochschule”)

• comprehensive staff development throughout all career stages with diverse training and qualifi-
• cation opportunities, including educational leave
• a health management framework to promote and maintain good health, as well as a broad university sports

program

Applications from disabled persons, including those of equal status (as certified by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit

/ Federal Employment Agency), will be given preferential consideration if they are equally suitable and qualified.

Women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications from individuals of all nationalities are explicitly welcome. Applicants with a degree that was not obtained at a German university must submit a Statement of Comparability for Foreign Higher Education Qualifications from the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB)

(https://www.kmk.org/zab/central-office-for-foreign-education) as proof of equivalence upon conclusion of the

employment contract. You can find ways to apply for a financial grant for this under: https://www.anerkennungin-deutschland.de/html/de/pro/anerkennungszuschuss.php#.

For any questions you may have, please contact Dr. Imme Sakwa-Waltz, phone: +49-345 55-25239, e-mail:

imme.sakwa-waltz@chemie.uni-halle.de. Prof. Dr. Kay Saalwächter is the MLU’s family representative and is available to answer any questions regarding the compatibility of work and family life (phone: +49-345-5528560, e-

mail: kay.saalwaechter@physik.uni-halle.de ).

Please send your application until 31.07.2026, including Reg.-No. 5-3058/26-D, with a curriculum vitae, copies

of certificates, a description of your academic career, an outline of a research idea (2–4 pages), a list of publications, and, if applicable, evidence of previously acquired third-party funding and teaching activities, to Imme

Sakwa-Waltz, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Institut für Chemie, BEAM-Geschäftsstelle, 06099

Halle, imme.sakwa-waltz@chemie.uni-halle.de

This call for applications is subject to any budgetary restrictions.

Application costs will not be reimbursed by Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. Application documents

will only be returned if a sufficiently stamped envelope is enclosed. An electronic application is welcome.