PhD Position in Magnetic Levitation Actuator for Precision Optics Manufacturing, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany

Summary

The Leibniz University Hannover offers a PhD position to develop a magnetic levitation actuator for high‑precision optics manufacturing within the PhoenixD Excellence Cluster. The role involves independent research, collaboration with industry partners, idea generation, publishing results, supervising students, and teaching duties. Candidates must hold a university degree in a technical or natural‑science field, demonstrate very good German and good English skills, and show strong academic performance and teamwork. The position is initially limited to 12 months (extendable to the PhD duration) and is paid according to TV‑L pay group 13 (100%). The institute provides modern workspaces, extensive infrastructure, mobile working options, and various family‑friendly benefits. Application deadline is 31 October 2026.

Key Facts

Employer	Leibniz University Hannover
Department	Institut für Fertigungstechnik und Werkzeugmaschinen (IFW)
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Technical or natural science engineering
Research Area	Magnetic levitation actuator for precision optics manufacturing
Degree Required	University degree in a technical or natural science field
Salary	Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L, 100%
Funding	Salary (Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L, 100%)
Contract Duration	12 months, extendable until PhD
Language	German (very good) and English (good)
Deadline	2026-10-31
Employer Address	Welfengarten 1, 30167, Lower Saxony

About the Project

The project aims to design and control a magnetically levitating actuator that enables friction‑free, six‑degree‑of‑freedom positioning of optical components with micrometer accuracy during production. It combines mechanical optimization of a test rig with intelligent control algorithms, and involves interdisciplinary collaboration within the university and with external research institutes.

Key Responsibilities

• Independent execution of the research project
• Development work with industry and research partners
• Generating new research ideas
• Publishing research results
• Supervising students
• Teaching responsibilities
• Working towards a dissertation

Required Skills

• Teamwork and independence
• Above‑average academic performance
• Very good German language skills
• Good English language skills

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a university degree in a technical or natural‑science discipline, very good German and good English proficiency, strong academic records, and the ability to work independently and in teams should apply.

Benefits

• Mobile working with a service notebook
• Modern workplace and digital structures
• Support for dissertation writing
• Cooperative team environment
• Extensive training offers
• Conference participation opportunities
• Corporate health management and sports program
• Annual bonus and additional pension provision
• On‑campus childcare and family‑friendly services
• Excellent transport connections and e‑vehicle charging
• Campus canteen with diverse options
• Nationwide alumni network
• International industry and research network
• Flexible working models including part‑time and home office

About the Employer

The Institut für Fertigungstechnik und Werkzeugmaschinen (IFW) at Leibniz University Hannover is a leading research institute in production engineering, employing around 80 scientific staff. It offers a vibrant scientific environment, modern infrastructure, a large machine park, and extensive analytical facilities, embedded in a city with high quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the contract duration?

The position is initially limited to 12 months and can be extended until the PhD is completed.

What language skills are required?

Very good German and good English language skills are required.

How can I apply?

Submit your application via the provided link by 31 October 2026.