Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/x) (Wissenschaftliche/r Mitarbeiter/in)

In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) starting on or after 01.11.2026, we are looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/x)

Our research group at the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy, Ruhr University Bochum, investigates the fundamental physics of plasmas through analytical and numerical plasma theory. A focus of our work lies on space plasmas such as the solar wind, the solar corona, and planetary magnetospheres. We connect our work to astrophysical plasmas across the universe such as accretion discs around black holes, the interstellar medium, and the medium between galaxies. Our research interests concentrate on plasma waves and instabilities, wave-particle interactions, weak collisions, turbulence, plasma heating and particle acceleration, shock waves, and multi-scale couplings. Since the field of plasma physics is inherently interdisciplinary, we work in close dialogue with plasma observations from spacecraft and laboratory experiments. Candidates joining our team will contribute to innovative research at the forefront of plasma physics with its interdisciplinary implications.

Scope: full-time
Duration: fixed-term, 3 Jahre
Start: starting on or after 01.11.2026
Apply by: 2026-09-21

Your tasks:

- Original research on the theoretical physics of plasma processes in space and astrophysical systems with a preferred focus on wave-particle interactions in collisionless plasmas
- Publication of research in peer-reviewed journal articles and presentation at national and international conferences
- Involvement in relevant interdisciplinary research at RUB and in national and international research collaborations
- Contributions to the preparation of proposals for the acquisition of external research funding
- Contributions to the broader activities of the research group (group meetings, scientific outreach, scientific organisation of meetings)
- Mentoring of MSc and PhD students in the group, and teaching obligations according to §3 of Lehrverpflichtungsverordnung (state of North Rhine-Westphalia)

Your profile:

- Essential:
- Hold or expect to hold a PhD in physics, astrophysics, or a closely related discipline
- Good knowledge of basic and contemporary plasma physics
- Experience in theoretical plasma physics research
- Ability to disseminate results of complex scientific studies effectively through scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals, and through written and oral presentations
- Ability to communicate and to work collaboratively as part of international teams
- Motivated to work independently when necessary
- Ability to work in an organised way and to meet deadlines
- Good command of English (written and spoken)
- Desirable:
- Track record in the theoretical study of wave-particle interactions in collisionless plasmas
- Strong skills in analytical plasma theory
- Experience in the comparison of theoretical results with spacecraft observations
- Willingness and ability to attend national and international meetings

https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/860392d0e996dca417a488e534c6caafe3f70cf30?ref=AfA (https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/860392d0e996dca417a488e534c6caafe3f70cf30?ref=AfA)