Research Associate with management responsibilities

Job Summary

Category
Science Management
Institution
Universität Bonn
Department
Argelander Institute for Astronomy
Number of Positions Available
1
Work Arrangement
See Job Description
In-Person Location(s)

Bonn
Germany

Job Description

The University of Bonn is an international research university offering a broad range of subjects. With a 200-year history, some 31,500 students, more than 6,000 employees and an outstanding reputation in Germany and abroad, the University of Bonn is one of the leading universities in Germany and has been awarded the status of a University of Excellence.

The Argelander Institute for Astronomy is looking to fill the following position as soon as possible, in full-time or part-time:

Research Associate with management responsibilities (100% or 80%)

The Argelander Institute for Astronomy is part of the Physics/Astronomy Department and is engaged in observational and theoretical basic research in astronomy and astrophysics. Particular areas of focus are radio astronomy and cosmology. The institute is also part of the “Dynaverse” Cluster of Excellence. A central goal is the promotion of early-career researchers in an international environment. In this context, the institute offers its own master’s program (“M.Sc. Astrophysics”) and coordinates the related activities.

 

Your tasks:

  • Performing management duties for the Argelander Institute for Astronomy and coordinating day-to-day operations in close consultation with the Executive Director,
  • Providing scientific, technical, and conceptual support to the institute’s leadership, in particular by developing decision-making frameworks and contributing to structural issues in research and teaching,
  • Participating in the planning and management of the institute’s resources (budget, personnel, infrastructure),
  • Coordinating central internal processes and the course offerings,
  • Participation in scientific collaborations, public relations, and the further development of the institute,
  • Teaching the courses and/or laboratory sessions contributed by our institute for the Bachelor’s and Teacher Training programs in Physics and/or courses in the “M.Sc. Astrophysics” program, depending on prior knowledge and qualifications, amounting to 8 semester hours per week (or 6.4 hours for an 80% position).

Your profile:

  • A completed university degree in astronomy, physics, or a related field, a Ph.D., and ideally several years of experience in the academic research community,
  • Familiarity with the processes, structures, and teaching operations of a research institute,
  • Ideally, initial experience in teaching,
  • Interest in and ability to take on management and coordination tasks in a scientific environment,
  • An independent, structured, and goal-oriented approach to work,
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills,
  • Excellent written and spoken German and English, 
  • Excellent computer skills, ideally including experience with SAP.

We offer:

  • A varied, challenging job with one of the largest employers in the region, job security and loyalty to the location,
  • Flexible working hours, 
  • Opportunities for continuing education and professional development,
  • Occupational pension (VBL)
  • A wide range of university sports activities,
  • Excellent access by public transport thanks to Bonn’s central location as well as the opportunity to take advantage of low-cost parking
  • Remuneration in accordance with TV-L pay grade 13

The University of Bonn is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. It is certified as a family-friendly university. The University of Bonn seeks to increase female representation in staffing areas where women are underrepresented and provide special career support. It thus expressly encourages qualified women to apply. Applications will be handled in accordance with the NRW State Gender Equality Act (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz, LGG NRW). Applications from qualified candidates with a certified severe disability or from those of equal status are especially welcome.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation Type
Salary
Currency
365

Application Details

Application Instructions
If you are interested in this position, please send your complete application materials to Argelander-Institut für Astronomie, z.Hd. Fr. Derdau, Auf dem Hügel 71, 53121 Bonn, Germany or via email to [email protected] by May 24, 2026, quoting reference 2025/262. For further information or questions, please contact Prof. Bigiel ([email protected]).
Publication Start Date
2026 May 03
Application Deadline
2026 May 24
Reference Code
2025/262

Inquiries

Name
Prof. Frank Bigiel

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