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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
EUR 65,000-75,000 annually based on German civil service grade A13 classification, with additional benefits including pension contributions, job security, and potential for performance-based increases. This compensation is competitive for senior academic research positions in Germany and includes comprehensive social benefits.

Benefits

Civil servant status providing exceptional job security and comprehensive pension benefits that significantly exceed private sector standards
Flexible working arrangements including mobile work and teleworking options, positioning the role ahead of traditional academic institutions
Employment within Germany's University Alliance Ruhr, offering access to extensive research networks and collaborative opportunities across multiple institutions
Professional development through German language courses provided by the University Language Center, supporting international career growth
Location in the vibrant Ruhr metropolitan region with diverse cultural offerings and excellent quality of life
High degree of professional autonomy and independence in research direction and facility management

Key Responsibilities

Establish and lead the UARuhr Interdisciplinary Laser Lab as a cornerstone research facility, positioning the university as a leader in ultrafast laser technology
Drive strategic financial and administrative management of a cutting-edge core facility, directly impacting the institution's research capabilities and reputation
Forge high-impact academic and industrial collaborations that bridge theoretical research with practical applications in photonics
Secure independent project funding in competitive fields of ultrashort pulse laser physics and nonlinear optics, demonstrating research leadership
Serve as primary technical authority for PhD students and PostDocs, shaping the next generation of photonics researchers
Develop comprehensive research and publication strategies that enhance the university's global standing in laser science
Lead safety protocols and operational standards for advanced laser systems, ensuring compliance with international research standards

Requirements

Education

Completed relevant university degree (Master's or comparable degree) and completed relevant doctorate

Experience

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 the field of ultrashort light generation, control, 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, ideally also including 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, nonlinear optics, in particular, parametric amplification and 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 is desirable Initial experience as a safety officer at a research institution would be desirable

Certifications

Civil service eligibility requirements under State Civil Service Act (LBG NRW) and Career Regulation (LVO NRW)
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The photonics industry is experiencing unprecedented growth driven by quantum computing applications, advanced manufacturing needs, and next-generation telecommunications infrastructure. Ultrafast laser technology specifically is becoming critical for precision materials processing, medical device manufacturing, and scientific instrumentation, with market projections showing 12-15% annual growth through 2030. European research institutions are increasingly establishing interdisciplinary laser facilities to compete with leading American and Asian research centers. The emphasis on core facilities reflects a strategic shift toward shared resources and collaborative research models that maximize equipment utilization and cross-disciplinary innovation. Industrial partnerships in photonics are becoming essential for academic institutions to secure funding and translate research into commercial applications. The integration of academic research with industry needs is particularly strong in Germany's advanced manufacturing sector, where ultrafast lasers enable Industry 4.0 applications.

Role Significance

Typical management of 8-15 researchers including PhD students, PostDocs, and technical staff, with potential coordination responsibilities across multiple research groups within the University Alliance Ruhr network.
This is a senior leadership position that combines high-level technical expertise with strategic facility management responsibilities. The role holder will have significant autonomy in research direction and substantial influence on the university's photonics research program development.

Key Projects

Development of next-generation parametric amplification systems for XUV light generation Industrial collaboration projects focusing on high-power laser applications in manufacturing Cross-institutional research initiatives leveraging the University Alliance Ruhr network International collaborative projects in ultrafast spectroscopy and quantum optics applications

Success Factors

Deep technical expertise in ultrafast laser physics combined with proven ability to translate research into practical applications and secure competitive funding in highly specialized fields Strong leadership capabilities in managing diverse research teams while maintaining scientific excellence and fostering collaborative relationships across academic and industrial partnerships Strategic vision for facility development that anticipates future research needs and positions the institution competitively within the European photonics research landscape Excellent communication skills for engaging with international research communities, industrial partners, and funding agencies while representing the university's research capabilities

Market Demand

High demand driven by the strategic importance of photonics research in European competitiveness initiatives and the limited pool of candidates with combined technical expertise and facility management experience in ultrafast laser systems.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Expertise in ultrashort pulse laser physics and nonlinear optics is absolutely essential as this represents the core technical foundation for all research activities and facility operations. Without this deep technical knowledge, the role holder cannot provide scientific leadership or make informed strategic decisions about equipment and research directions. Proven experience in research facility management and team leadership is crucial because this role requires simultaneous management of complex technical systems, diverse research teams, and strategic planning for facility development. The combination of technical and management skills is rare and essential for success. Track record in securing competitive research funding is critical because the role's success depends on maintaining financial sustainability and growth of the research program. Experience with collaborative networks and industrial partnerships is particularly valuable in the current funding environment.

Beneficial Skills

Safety officer experience would be highly valuable given the complex laser systems and regulatory requirements involved in operating high-power laser facilities, particularly in the German regulatory environment International research collaboration experience would enhance the role holder's ability to position the facility globally and attract top-tier international researchers and funding opportunities Industry experience or strong industrial partnerships would be beneficial for translating research outcomes into commercial applications and securing additional funding streams beyond traditional academic sources

Unique Aspects

Permanent civil servant position offering exceptional job security rare in academic research positions globally
Leadership role in establishing a major interdisciplinary facility that will define the university's research direction for decades
Access to University Alliance Ruhr resources providing unprecedented scale and collaboration opportunities in German higher education
Strategic position in Germany's photonics research ecosystem with direct connections to industrial applications and European research initiatives

Career Growth

Typically 5-8 years to professorship or directorship roles, depending on research output, funding success, and international recognition in the field

Potential Next Roles

Full Professor positions at leading international universities with established photonics programs Director of national or international photonics research centers Chief Technology Officer roles in photonics companies or spin-off ventures Senior leadership positions in government research agencies or European research initiatives

Company Overview

Ruhr-Universität Bochum

Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany's premier research universities and a founding member of the University Alliance Ruhr, representing a combined research enterprise of over 120,000 students and significant research infrastructure. The university has established itself as a leader in interdisciplinary research with particular strength in engineering, natural sciences, and technology transfer.

Consistently ranked among Germany's top research universities with strong international partnerships and a reputation for innovation in photonics and laser science. The university's research output and industrial collaboration place it in the top tier of European technical universities.
Located in the heart of Germany's largest metropolitan area, the Ruhr region, which is undergoing transformation from industrial to high-tech economy. The university plays a central role in this transition and benefits from strong regional industry connections and government support for research initiatives.
Academic environment that values interdisciplinary collaboration, international outlook, and work-life balance typical of German higher education institutions. The civil service structure provides stability while encouraging innovation and international mobility.
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