Research Associate (m/f/d) / PostDoc IPTS

2026-03-12

As a humanistic, sustainable and action-oriented university, Leuphana University of Lüneburg stands for innovation in education and science. Methodological diversity, interdisciplinary cooperation, transdisciplinary cooperation with practice and an overall dynamic development characterise its research profile in the core topics of education, culture, management/technology, sustainability and state. Its international study model with the Leuphana College, the Leuphana Graduate School and the Leuphana Professional School is unique in Germany and has won many awards.

Leuphana University Lüneburg (foundation under public law), Institute for Production Technology and Systems, has a vacancy for a full-time (100 %)

Research Associate / PostDoc (m/f/d)
(salary group EG 13 TV-L)

for a period of three years within the DFG funded research project “Laser Shock Propagation Investigation with high-Resolution in Time and Space”. The opportunity for further scientific qualification is given and an active involvement in the research project is expected. The research project is being conducted in close collaboration with colleagues from France (PIMM & I2M) and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon. The research project focuses on wave propagation within textured materials. To this end, the process of laser shock peening is being investigated in detail through experiments and simulations. This position concentrates on the numerical modeling of wave propagation in textured materials, for which numerical methods of (strain gradient) crystal plasticity are being applied and further developed. This involves close connection with the experimental results of the partners in order to gain a fundamental understanding of shock wave propagation in metallic materials.

Your tasks:

  • Handling of the DFG-funded research project and coordination with research partners
  • Documentation and publication of results in international journals
  • Numerical modeling of shock wave propagation within the microstructure using crystal plasticity, including the extension to non-local effects
  • Development of efficient multiscale modeling approaches for shock wave propagation and its effect on the microstructure
  • Validation of the numerical models using data from in-situ experiments, carried out by the research partners
  • Support in the supervision of students and research assistants within the project

Your profile:

  • Completed academic university degree in the field of mechanical engineering, computational mechanics, materials science, metallurgical engineering, computer science or comparable (Master's degree or equivalent)
  • Completed or nearly completed doctorate (PhD) in mechanics, computational engineering or a comparable field
  • Capability to work scientifically, typically demonstrated by high-quality publications in international journals
  • Experience in the field of material modeling
  • Experience in crystal plasticity and multiscale modeling are an advantage
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
  • Ability to work in a team and proactive work mentality
  • Willingness to work with an interdisciplinary and international team

Our offer:

  • an inspiring working environment as part of the university community of researchers, teachers, students and staff in technology and administration,
  • a workplace at one of the most beautiful university locations in Germany in a true campus university with an internationally acclaimed central building by Daniel Libeskind and the directly adjacent Wilschenbruch nature reserve,
  • a high level of job security as part of the public service,
  • an additional company pension scheme through the Versorgungsanstalt des Bundes und der Länder (VBL),
  • flexible and family-friendly working hours within a flexitime framework from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.,
  • flexible and family-friendly opportunities to alternate between presence work and mobile work,
  • an extensive internal and external continuing education programme,
  • a wide range of sporting activities sponsored by the university, which employees can take part in for one hour per week during working hours to promote their health,
  • a university-sponsored catering service for lunch and dinner in the refectory,
  • a Germany ticket sponsored by the university as a job ticket

The position is basically suitable for part-time work, but the aim is to fill it 100 per cent.

Your application: 

For questions regarding the content of the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Benjamin Klusemann at benjamin.klusemann@leuphana.de.

Leuphana University of Lüneburg promotes professional gender equality and heterogeneity among its members. Applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if they have the same qualifications. 

Please submit all required documents (without photo) via our application portal by 01.04.2026. We look forward to receiving your application!