Doctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in, salary level E 13 TV-L, 50%)

Overview

42,500 students and 7,750 employees in teaching, research and administration, all working together to shape perspectives for the future – that is the University of Münster. Embedded in the vibrant atmosphere of Münster with its high standard of living, the University’s diverse research profile and attractive study programmes draw students and researchers throughout Germany and from around the world.

The Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITP) in the Faculty of Physics at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of a in the research group of Prof. Dr. Uwe Thiele commencing on 1 March 2026. We are offering a fixed-term part-time position (50%) for 3 years. Full-time employees are required to teach 4 hours per week during the semester.

Responsibilities

• contributing to research and teaching at the Institute for Theoretical Physics
• tutoring and supervising problem classes and project groups for bachelor’s and master’s courses working on theoretical physics and interdisciplinary themes, and supporting other members of the research group preparing their bachelor’s or master’s theses
• research centred around the research topic “self-organisation and complexity”, in particular, including research on modelling the structure-forming dynamics in various extended systems as, for instance, related to phase transitions in active and reactive soft matter
• supporting the coordination of the DFG Priority Program (SPP) 2171 \“Dynamic Wetting of Flexible, Adaptive and Switchable Surfaces\“.
• active participation in the activities of the research group (group meetings, journal club, website, etc.)

This position is tied to working towards a doctorate.

Qualifications

• An MSc in physics or a related discipline, with above-average results, is a prerequisite for employment.
• Very good knowledge and practical experience in the numerical and analytical treatment of nonlinear partial differential equations in the context of nonlinear phenomena is required.
• Extensive prior knowledge on the basics of nonlinear physics is expected.
• Keen interest in the physical modelling of nonlinear phenomena and related research experience will be an advantage.
• Willingness to participate in the administration of the computer system of the ITP is expected.
• A very good command of written and spoken English is required.
• A very good command of written and spoken German is an advantage

Advantages for you

• Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – values which are important to us.
• Our broad range of diverse work-time models offers great flexibility – also when working from home.
• If you have family members or young children in your care, our Family Service Office offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities.
• As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (VBL ), an annual end-of-year bonus and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations.

Equal opportunity

The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions. We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.

Application process

Please submit your application via email, as a single PDF file (max 10Mb), by 2025-11-15 to

Applications should contain a cover letter, your CV, copies of course certificates and transcripts, and a brief description of research interests. In addition, please arrange for a letter of reference to be sent directly to the same email address by the same deadline.