We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region.
Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne
make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in
science, technology, and administration.

The HCNB is developing a groundbreaking and funda-
mentally new technology for optical filters that aim to
significantly reduce noise in a wide range of applications.
This novel “polariton filter” technology overcomes the
problem of angle-dependence in thin film optical coatings
by exploiting the quantum mechanical interaction of light
with electronically excited states in thin layers of organic
materials, significantly enhancing the performance of a
variety of optical systems. The exceptional angular sta-
bility of our filter technology offers decisive advantages,
especially when measuring a wide field of view, in key
applications such as light detection and ranging, computer
vision and microscopy. In comparison to competing filter
technologies, the use of organic materials in our filter tech-
nology enables flexible adaptation to specific applications
(e.g. in the desired spectral range), reduces production costs
and energy consumption in the medium term and enables
the production of large-area filters that can be adapted to
components with a range of geometries. We are aiming at
creating a spin-off company for the design and production
of polariton filters and are looking to complement our team
on this exciting journey from university research to com-
mercialization. Our activity is currently funded by the BMWK
EXIST scheme.

YOUR TASKS
In this role, you will be tasked with:
» Identifying and characterizing new organic materials with

tailored absorption properties
» Designing multi-layer filter stacks with our in-house

software
» Optimizing thin film deposition techniques to achieve

controlled film thickness and spectral selectivity
» Integrating materials into prototype spectral filters for

high-performance applications in LiDAR, microscopy,
health care diagnostics and many more

YOUR PROFILE
» We are seeking a highly skilled scientist with a strong

technical background in organic semiconductors
to advance our research and entrepreneurial activ-
ities into thin film spectral filters. Ideal candidates
will hold an advanced degree (at least MSc., prefera-
bly PhD or equivalent) in chemistry, materials science,
or physics, with demonstrable expertise in material
development, characterization, processing, and/or device
integration of light-absorbing organic semiconductors.
Knowledge of thin film optical coatings and their fabrica-
tion is advantageous but not crucial.

WE OFFER
» A fully equipped working space and access to the

HCNB infrastructure
» A diverse working environment with equal

opportunities
» Support in balancing work and family life
» Flexible working time models
» Extensive advanced training opportunities
» Occupational health management offers

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and
diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accor-
dance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-
Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW).
We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable
candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and
social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and
identity.

The position is available immediately on a full-time basis
(39,83 hours per week). The position is to be filled for a
fixed term until 31 March 2027. If the applicant meets the
relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications,
the salary will be based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of
the pay scale for the German public sector.

Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications
without a photo under: https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de. The
reference number is Wiss2506-08. Deadline is 30 June
2025.

Please include in your application a letter of motivation, a
CV, a list of your publications and copies of your certificates.

For further inquiries, please contact Dr Andreas Mischok
(andreas.mischok@uni-koeln.de) and Professor Malte
Gather (malte.gather@uni-koeln.de) and take a look at our
FAQs.

Research and Development Scientist (f/m/x)

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Humboldt-Centre for Nano- and Biophotonics