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Nestled in a modern city surrounded by nature and with an exceptional standard of living, ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ offers excellent working conditions in a vibrant scientific community.

The Department of Phytophotonics at the Institute for Botany / Hannover Centre for Optical Technologies welcomes applications for the following position to be filled from August 1, 2025: Research Assistant (Doctoral Candidate) with specialising in optical coherence tomography (OCT) (salary scale 13 TV-L, 75 %)

The fixed-term position is for a duration of 36 month in accordance with the project duration.

Your role

In the Phytophotonics department, you will work as part of an interdisciplinary team at the interface between plant sciences and optical technologies. The focus is on various spectroscopic and imaging methods for the contactless detection of plant conditions.

The position is being advertised as part of the joint project ‘LaserRoots: A new way for the sustainable production of climate-resilient woody plants (LaserRoots)’, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (EFRE). The sub-project of Leibniz Universität Hannover ‘SteBeLa: Control and evaluation of laser-induced rooting stimulation of cuttings’ focuses on analysing cutting tissue using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

The focal topics of the sub-project include:

• Conception and realisation of an OCT system for imaging plant tissues (rose cuttings)
• Realisation of a corresponding measuring stand and implementation of test series for imaging
• Realisation of a data processing routine for the automated detection of tissue boundary layers
• Investigation of the influence of laser ablation depth on rooting efficiencies in cooperation with the project partners
• Coordination of the scientific interface to the project partners regarding the horticultural experi-ments (Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and the Institute of Plant Genetics of the LUH) and the optical superimposition of imaging with a processing laser (Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.)
• Continuous literature research on technological developments and plant science applications of OCT
• Writing of reports and participation in workshops and conferences

The successful candidate will be employed at ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ and will be part of a highly motivated interdisciplinary project team from University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück, the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) and LUH (Departments of Phytophotonics; and Reproduction and Development). In addition, it is intended to link the doctoral candidate with the Leibniz School of Optics of the DFG Cluster of Excellence PhoenixD.

Who are we looking for?

The prerequisite for employment is a university science degree in physics/optical technologies or engineering. In the case of proven technical expertise (in the field of optical imaging and image processing), applications with a background in natural science/horticulture may also be considered.

In addition, we are looking for a candidate with the following:

• A high level of motivation to collaborate at an interdisciplinary interface
• Experience in OCT imaging and/or imaging data processing is a plus

Equal opportunities and diversity are core values at ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ. Our goal is to tap into individual potential and open up possibilities. We therefore welcome applications from anyone interested in the position, irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or ideology, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

We strive towards a balanced and diverse workforce and a reduction in under-representation in accordance with the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz – NGG). We therefore also welcome applications from women for the above-mentioned position. Preference will be given to equally-qualified candidates with disabilities.

Why join us?

With more than 5.000 employees, ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ is one of the largest and most attractive employers in the Hannover region. We offer a vibrant interdisciplinary and international working environment, and promote personal and professional development ranging from subject-related skills to leadership and languages.

Part-time employment as well as remote work (mobile work, work from home) can be arranged upon request. We support employees with , through services such as back-up childcare, childcare during school holidays, and parent-child offices, as well as providing individual advice regarding family responsibilities and caring for dependants.

To promote health and well-being among employees, we offer an extensive with over 100 different sports, as well as a fitness centre with a sauna and climbing space. Health management measures, such as courses on stress management, good nutrition and relaxation, aim to ensure a healthy workplace.

 

Additional information

Further information on the Phyotophotonics department can be found on the Internet at:
  

Please submit your application and supporting documents by June 29, 2025 electronically to