The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile areas Light – Life – Liberty, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.

The Abbe Center of Photonics (www.acp.uni-jena.de) and its integrated Abbe School of Photonics (www.asp.uni-jena.de) are making a strategic effort to advance sustainably in the internationalization and digitalization of their international research and teaching program. Within the new project PHORTIFY, the following position is offered to start as soon as possible:

Research Scientist for Photonics Education

The Abbe Center of Photonics joins expertise to strengthen and coordinate all projects and activities in the field of optics and photonics and the FSU profile line LIGHT. The Center contributes significantly to the international visibility and network activity of the FSU in research and teaching. The integrated Abbe School of Photonics forms the framework for several internationalized Master’s degree programs, including the long-standing M.Sc. Photonics course. At our school, the internationalization and digitalization of academic education is valued as a great opportunity to explore new and innovative ways of learning and teaching. In this context, one aim of the new EU-funded PHORTIFY project, is to conceive, to build and to advance remotely controllable physics and photonics setups for students along the lines of our established and demonstrated XR Twin Lab ansatz (www.asp.uni-jena.de/xrtl). These works will take place in the creative environment of our Lichtwerkstatt Photonics Makerspace (www.asp.uni-jena.de/lichtwerkstatt). A second, equally important goal is to strengthen and to streamline our local Photonics Master education and training together with academic partners from Belgium, The Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Poland and Spain as well as a network of industrial partners all over Europe.

Most notably, the holder of the position will gain experience in education and scientific management and play a vital role in ensuring the success of the PHORTIFY project.

Your responsibilities:

• Planning, building and operating existing and new remotely controllable lab setups (www.asp.uni-jena.de/xrtl)
• Tutoring of students in the application and reception of these lab setups
• Cross-university and interdisciplinary exchange and transfer of skills on education and training within the international partner network
• Building and sustaining a European industry network engaging in photonics education and training
• Implementation of the trans-European project goals and results of PHORTIFY into the local Master education program
• Support of the study organizers in the continuous development of the international education program

Your profile:

• Master or equivalent university degree in Physics or Photonics or in an equivalent area
• Proven capability of working on experimental setups, e.g. during a PhD phase
• Experience in academic teaching
• Proven capability of a proactive, independent, structured way of working
• Finished or almost finished PhD in Physics or Photonics is advantageous for the position
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Travel willingness across Europe for networking activities
• Programming skills (e.g. JavaScript, Python, CSS, HTML, React JS, ANGULAR, Vue.js) are advantageous for the position

Are you hesitating because you don't meet one or some of our requirements? Please do not hesitate to apply and give us a chance to get to know you.

We offer:

• The challenge and opportunity to work in a world-class EU consortium committed to photonics education and training as well as to explore new analogue and digital forms of education and training. This offers an exciting field of activity, including a great personal and professional freedom of design and a great opportunity to qualify for further positions in academic education or scientific management.
• The Abbe Center of Photonics, the Abbe School of Photonics and the FSU offer an outstanding interdisciplinary and interprofessional network of potential cooperation partners. They combine university and non-university research as well high-tech industrial partners.
• The FSU provides a family-friendly working environment with flexible working options as well as a university scheme for the promotion of career, health and well-being.
• Jena is an attractive, young city in the heart of Germany with an excellent environment: The players on site characterize a lively and future-oriented region in science and economy.
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at / up to salary scale 13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

We offer part-time, project-bound position (20 to 30 hours per week) until August 31, 2029. Due to the strategic relevance of the position, an extension may be subject to the availability of funding.

For applicants who are still in an academic qualification phase, e.g. PhD, a combination of both duties is conceivable.

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

For further information, please feel free to contact Dr. Christian Helgert at[ christian.helgert@uni-jena.de](mailto: christian.helgert@uni-jena.de) or via phone at +3641-9-47960.

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by September 24, 2025 using our online form.