Job Description

InstitutionCluster of Excellence „Understanding Written Artefacts“
Salary levelEGR. 13 TV-L
Start date01.01.2026, fixed until 30.06.2029 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).
Application deadline02.11.2025
Scope of workpart-time
Weekly hours75 % of standard work hours per week
The Cluster of Excellence ‘Understanding Written Artefacts’ (UWA) is looking for a doctoral researcher in the field of X-ray phase-contrast imaging. UWA offers an exciting opportunity to research handwritten artefacts across materials, periods and regions within a collaborative team of doctoral, postdoctoral and senior/professorial researchers. You will be part of an international team of researchers from across over forty disciplines in the Humanities, the Natural Sciences and Computer Science. The Centre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures is by now the largest research centre of its kind worldwide and offers a uniquely dynamic research environment.


Your responsibilities


Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.



Your core responsibility is to pursue your research project. You will actively contribute to the cluster’s interdisciplinary Graduate School and collaborative research activities. Activities include participation in research meetings, organising scholarly events and developing relevant networks.



About the project: X-ray imaging is a non-invasive technique that allows to investigate the inner structure of samples without destructive sample preparation. However, certain writings composed of carbon-based inks are often difficult to separate from their support and require more advanced X-ray analytical methods. The aim of the project is to investigate the applicability of X-ray phase-contrast imaging to enhance the X-ray optical contrast required to visualize writings using carbon-based inks in layered structures, such as bookbinding boards, mummy cartonnage, or damaged compact stacks of leaves.



Furthermore, a new laboratory environment for X-ray phase-contrast imaging is currently being developed at the Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron (DESY). Responsibilities in this phase will include designing, implementing and commissioning the new setup. In collaboration with the Mobile Lab at the Centre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures, this setup will then be used to investigate the performance of magnified X-ray phase-contrast imaging on mock-up and cultural heritage samples.


Your profile


A university degree in a relevant field.



A degree (Master or equivalent) in physics, computer science, or a closely related discipline is preferred. You have a strong background in experimental physics and interest to develop new imaging modalities for applications in cultural heritage.



Fluent written and spoken English is required. Further preferred qualifications and experience include:


programming experience (Python preferred) X-ray imaging fourier optics inverse problem solving (tomography, phase retrieval, mathematical modelling) structured and independent working style collaborative skills and creativity, and an interest in working across disciplinary boundaries willingness to travel We offer

Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements Continuing education opportunities University pensions Attractive location Flexible working hours Work-life balance opportunities Health management, EGYM Wellpass Educational leave 30 days of vacation per annum
The successful candidate can benefit from a range of tailored support measures at the Cluster, which include,


enrolment in the clusters Graduate School with an interdisciplinary structured PhD programme additional funding for a range of research activities, including fieldwork doctoral mentoring programmes workshops to support your academic skills as well as your career planning promoting equity and diversity




Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.



The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.


Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.


Instructions for applying


Contact


Andreas Schropp



andreas.schropp@uni-hamburg.de


Claudia Colini



claudia.colini@uni-hamburg.de


Reference number


299
Location


Notkestraße 85

22607 Hamburg



Application deadline


02.11.2025
Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:


cover letter CV copies of degree certificate(s)

If you experience technical problems, send an email to bewerbungen@uni-hamburg.de.