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Civil servant (m/f/x) as Academic Council (m/f/d) in the field of ultrashort light generation, control and characterization - Job Opportunity at Ruhr Universität Bochum

Bochum, Germany

Full-time

Senior

Posted: June 14, 2025

Hybrid

€65,000 - €75,000 annually based on German civil service Grade A13 scale, with actual compensation depending on experience level and progression within the grade. This represents competitive compensation for senior academic positions in Germany, with additional benefits including pension contributions, job security, and comprehensive healthcare coverage.

Benefits

Permanent civil servant position with exceptional job security and comprehensive pension benefits in the German public sector

Grade A13 civil service salary scale providing structured compensation with regular increments and excellent long-term financial stability

Flexible working arrangements including mobile work and teleworking options, offering superior work-life balance in academic research

Access to German language training through the University Language Center, supporting international career development

Employment at one of Germany's largest research universities within the prestigious University Alliance Ruhr network

Location in the vibrant Ruhr metropolitan region providing rich cultural offerings and quality of life

Key Responsibilities

Establish and manage the UARuhr Interdisciplinary Laser Lab as a strategic research infrastructure serving multiple disciplines and external partners

Lead comprehensive project-based financial and administrative management of a new core facility, impacting institutional research capacity

Develop and maintain high-value academic and industrial collaborations, driving technology transfer and revenue generation

Drive independent project acquisition in cutting-edge laser physics domains, securing funding for breakthrough research initiatives

Serve as primary technical advisor and mentor for PhD students and PostDocs, shaping the next generation of photonics researchers

Execute strategic research planning and publication strategies to enhance institutional reputation and scientific impact

Requirements

Education

Master's or comparable degree, completed relevant doctorate

Experience

Several years of experience in managing and advising scientific staff, several years of experience in organization and administration of third-party funding, several years of experience in ultrashort light generation control and characterization

Required Skills

Several years of experience in managing and advising scientific staff Several years of experience in the organization and administration of third-party funding Several years of experience in managing collaborative networks including access to laser systems and facilities Several years of experience in the field of ultrashort light generation, control, characterization Sound knowledge in the field of high-power laser technologies Sound knowledge in nonlinear optics, in particular, parametric amplification Sound knowledge in the development of laser systems in different wavelength ranges Sound knowledge of numerical simulation methods for photonics, including pulse propagation and nonlinear optical conversion Experience in applications of ultrafast sources in developing advanced spectroscopy setups Initial experience as a safety officer at a research institution

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The photonics industry is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by applications in quantum computing, autonomous vehicles, and advanced manufacturing, with the global photonics market expected to reach $1.3 trillion by 2030. Academic research institutions are increasingly establishing interdisciplinary laser facilities to support both fundamental research and industrial partnerships, creating demand for senior-level facility managers with deep technical expertise. European governments are investing heavily in photonics research infrastructure as part of digital transformation initiatives, with Germany leading through programs like Photonics21 and the European Innovation Council. This has created a competitive landscape for experienced laser physicists who can bridge academic research and industrial applications. The demand for ultrafast laser technology is accelerating across multiple sectors including medical device manufacturing, semiconductor processing, and materials science, driving universities to establish core facilities that can serve both internal research needs and external industry partnerships.

Role Significance

The position likely involves managing a team of 5-15 researchers including PhD students, PostDocs, and technical staff, while also coordinating with external industrial partners and collaborative network participants across multiple institutions.

This is a senior-level position requiring significant autonomous decision-making authority and strategic planning responsibilities. The role combines technical expertise with facility management and serves as a key interface between academic research and industrial collaboration, indicating high organizational importance and visibility within the university structure.

Key Projects

Development and commissioning of state-of-the-art ultrafast laser systems for XUV light generation and parametric amplification Establishment of user access protocols and training programs for the interdisciplinary laser facility Implementation of industrial partnership agreements for technology transfer and collaborative research projects Coordination of multi-institutional research networks focused on advanced photonics applications

Success Factors

Deep technical expertise in ultrafast laser physics combined with proven facility management experience will be essential for establishing credibility with both academic researchers and industry partners. The ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical applications and business opportunities will differentiate successful candidates. Strong grant writing and project acquisition skills are critical for securing the substantial funding required to maintain and expand cutting-edge laser facilities. Experience with European funding mechanisms including Horizon Europe and national German funding agencies will be particularly valuable. Leadership capabilities that can inspire and guide multidisciplinary research teams while maintaining high safety standards in a complex laser research environment. The ability to mentor junior researchers while managing competing priorities from multiple stakeholder groups will determine long-term success.

Market Demand

High demand exists for professionals with this specific combination of technical expertise in ultrafast laser systems and facility management experience, as universities worldwide are establishing similar interdisciplinary research centers to remain competitive in photonics research.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Expertise in ultrafast laser physics and nonlinear optics is absolutely essential as this forms the technical foundation for all facility operations and research directions. Without deep knowledge in parametric amplification and XUV generation, the candidate cannot provide credible technical leadership or make informed decisions about equipment investments and research priorities. Facility management and third-party funding experience are critical for the operational success of the interdisciplinary laboratory. The ability to navigate complex administrative requirements while maintaining research productivity will directly impact the facility's sustainability and growth potential. Leadership and mentoring capabilities are essential for developing the next generation of photonics researchers while maintaining productive relationships with industrial partners and collaborative network participants.

Beneficial Skills

Safety officer experience would be highly valuable given the complex laser safety requirements and regulatory compliance needs of a major research facility. This background would accelerate facility startup and ensure robust safety protocols from the beginning. Entrepreneurial experience or technology transfer background would enhance the candidate's ability to develop industrial partnerships and potentially spin off commercial applications from research developments. International research experience and language skills beyond German would facilitate collaboration with global research networks and enhance the facility's international reputation and partnership opportunities.

Unique Aspects

The position offers the rare opportunity to establish a completely new interdisciplinary laser facility from the ground up, providing exceptional creative freedom and the chance to define research directions that could influence the field for decades.

Civil servant status in Germany provides unparalleled job security and benefits compared to typical academic positions, while still maintaining the intellectual freedom and research focus of university employment.

The role uniquely combines high-level technical research with facility management responsibilities, offering career development opportunities in both academic and industrial directions simultaneously.

Career Growth

Career progression to full professorship or facility director roles typically occurs within 5-8 years for successful candidates, while transition to industry leadership positions may happen within 3-5 years depending on entrepreneurial interests and market opportunities.

Potential Next Roles

Full Professor positions at major research universities with established photonics programs Director of National or European laser research facilities and user centers Chief Technology Officer roles at photonics companies or laser system manufacturers Scientific leadership positions in government research institutes or industrial R&D laboratories

Company Overview

Ruhr Universität Bochum

Ruhr University Bochum is one of Germany's most prestigious research universities and a founding member of the University Alliance Ruhr, representing one of Europe's largest university networks. The institution is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach and strong industry partnerships, particularly in engineering and natural sciences.

The university ranks among the top research institutions in Germany and maintains significant international recognition in photonics and laser science. Its location in the Ruhr region provides access to one of Europe's largest industrial clusters, offering exceptional opportunities for technology transfer and industry collaboration.

The Ruhr metropolitan region is Germany's largest urban area and a major center for advanced manufacturing, providing an ideal environment for photonics research with immediate industrial applications. The region's transformation from heavy industry to high-tech sectors creates unique opportunities for laser technology development and commercialization.

German academic institutions emphasize collaborative research excellence with strong support for work-life balance through flexible working arrangements. The civil service structure provides exceptional job security and clear career progression paths, while the interdisciplinary nature of the role encourages innovation and cross-sector collaboration.

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Civil servant (m/f/x) as Academic Council (m/f/d) in the field of ultrashort light generation, control and characterization - Job Opportunity at Ruhr Universität Bochum

Benefits

Key Responsibilities

Requirements

Education

Experience

Required Skills

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Role Significance

Key Projects

Success Factors

Market Demand

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Beneficial Skills

Unique Aspects

Career Growth

Potential Next Roles

Company Overview

Ruhr Universität Bochum

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

Sauge AI Market Intelligence