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The Simply Complex Lab of at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology is looking for a 

Postdoctoral researcher for soft condensed matter physics (m,f,x) for 2 years with 39,83 hours per week (TV-L E 14)

Simply Complex Lab focuses on understanding, controlling, and predicting emergent phenomena far from thermodynamic equilibrium. Its research is at the intersection of soft condensed matter, complexity, nonequilibrium, and nonlinear physics and interfaces with materials science, nanotechnology, and mechanobiology. The very nature of the lab’s research program is interdisciplinary; it is led by experiments but also strongly theory-guided.

The lab is looking for candidates with a strong theoretical condensed matter physics background to work on a European Research Council (ERC)-funded project, „Phase map of dynamic, adaptive colloidal crystals far from equilibrium“ (ERC-PhD). The main research topic is to formulate an analytical model and perform numerical simulations of the fitness landscapes of a driven dissipative pattern forming colloidal system. This full-time two-year appointment funded by the ERC Ph.D. project would be at a salary commensurate with experience and is potentially renewable for up to three years.

extent: full-time
duration: permanent
beginning: as soon as possible
application deadline: 29.05.2023

Your tasks / You are expected to:

  • scan the parameter space and quantify the relevant order parameters,
  • develop, code-write, and evaluate suitable genetic algorithms for the fitness landscapes of the system,
  • pick out the key duties & responsibilities, as detailed in the job description,
  • participate actively and communicate effectively in a leadership role during lab/group meetings, seminars, and scientific conferences,
  • manage time and project(s) well with personal initiative,
  •  mentor students and trainees, and perform job-related administrative tasks as assigned,
  • communicate and write well scientifically, including preparing regular reports, manuscripts for publication, and grant proposals,
  • coordinate and support on-site and virtual meetings/lectures as needed.

Your profile: You

  • have a Ph.D. in physics, mathematics, computational science, or a related discipline,
  • are familiar with computational tools useful for condensed matter physics, genetic algorithms, and network science,
  • are experienced in quantitative data analysis and in handling complex bodies of data,
  • are using at least one programming language (e.g. Matlab, Python, C++, Java, etc.)
  • have initial experience in scientific publishing and presentation of research results
  • basic knowledge of or initial experience in condensed matter physics,
  • have proficiency in English at least C1, C2 preferred, German at least A2, and the willingness to acquire further German skills as soon as possible to be able to communicate effectively in the work environment (German courses are offered).

Our offerings:

  • team-oriented cooperation in a committed, international and appreciative team
  • a friendly and collegial environment
  • possibilities of location-flexible work
  • a good work-life balance
  • other social benefits according to TV-L

Additional information:

At the request of the applicant (m,f,x), the staff council may be involved in selection interviews.

If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is RUB’s declared aim.


The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.

Contact details for your application:

Prof. Serim Kayacan Ilday, Phone: +49 170 1210085‬

Travel expenses for interviews cannot be refunded.

For information on the collection of personal data in the application process see: https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/information-collection-personal-data-application-process.

We are looking forward to receiving your application with the specification ANR: 1938 until 29/05/2023, send by e-mail to the following address: serim.ilday@rub.de

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