Research Associate (m/f/d) at the Institute of Photonics

Research Associate (m/f/d)

Institute of Photonics

Remuneration EG 13 TV-L

ID20026WE12

Start of employment 01.10.2026

Application deadline04.09.2026

Scope fulltime, fixed-term employment

The Institute of Photonics 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 recruiting a PhD student to support our efforts within the DFG-funded UNIC project (ultrafast linear and nonlinear interactions for photoinduced chirality in nanophotonic devices). Together with partners from Brazil and Germany, this project aims to develop active chiral metasurfaces for ultrafast optical control. The research will combine the physics of photonic bound states in the continuum, dielectric metasurfaces, and layered van der Waals materials to investigate optically controlled circular dichroism and nonlinear light-matter interactions. We are seeking a highly motivated doctoral researcher with a background in physics, electrical engineering, materials science, or a related field. The candidate will design, fabricate, and optically characterize dielectric, monolithic, and hybrid metasurfaces within an international research collaboration.

YOUR TASKS

• Design and optimize dielectric or hybrid chiral metasurfaces based on bound states in the continuum concepts
• Fabricate nanophotonic structures using cleanroom processes, including electron-beam lithography, thin-film deposition, and dry etching
• Perform optical characterization including measurement of transmittance and reflectance, resonance quality factors, and circular dichroism
• Integrate layered materials and van der Waals heterostructures with nanophotonic structures
• Collaborate with project partners on ultrafast and nonlinear optical experiments and contribute to data analysis and scientific publications

YOUR PROFILE

Requirements

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

Desired knowledge and personal skills

• Practical experience with nanofabrication and cleanroom work, preferably including electron-beam lithography and dry etching
• A solid understanding of optics, nanophotonics, and light-matter interactions
• Experience with optical spectroscopy, laser-based setups, polarization-resolved measurements, or chiroptical characterization
• Experience with 2D materials or van der Waals heterostructures
• Desirable: Experience with electromagnetic simulations such as FEM, FDTD, RCWA, or scientific data analysis using Python or other software

OUR OFFER

• Scientific qualification with the opportunity to pursue a PhD
• 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
• Good public transport connections

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 ( information on the Standard Inquiry and data protection notices ).

For further information please contact Prof. Tittl, Tel.-Nr. +49 40 30601 2376, Email: [ [email protected] ].

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.

The TU Hamburg stands for equal opportunities as well as appreciative and respectful cooperation. Notice for severely disabled persons and people with equal status.

Please send your complete application documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae in table form, proof of completed training and/or university degree, job references or certificates of employment) via the online application system exclusively.