InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Physics, Institute of Experimental Physics

Salary levelEGR. 13 TV-L

Start dateas soon as possible, fixed for a period of 3 years (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline02.07.2025

Scope of workpart-time

Weekly hours75 % of standard work hours per week

The position is part of the project "SeiSmart: Research on and with seismic networks in smart cities”, funded by the BWFGB in the context of Hamburg State Research Funding.

The project is a collaboration between the University of Hamburg, The Helmut-Schmidt University and DESY. SeiSmart explores the potential use and benefits of seismic sensing networks using distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) in cities and research campuses for high precision experiments, structural health monitoring and scientific research and sustainability. SeiSmart research is conducted with a focus on the sensing network developed and operated by the WAVE Initiatve in the Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld, aiming to support its development into a sustainable, smart Science City.

Your responsibilities

Duties primarily include research. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.

The position will be situated in the research group for gravitational wave detection at the University of Hamburg. The group studies metrology and develops instrumentation for ground and space-based detectors like the Einstein Telescope and the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) with a focus on laser interferometry, inertial sensing, seismic isolation and digital readout and control.

The successful candidate for this position can pursue a doctoral degree in Physics or Geophysics at the University of Hamburg. The research focuses on demonstrating real-time seismic noise prediction for active compensation in a test facility in laboratories situated in the Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld.

Responsibilities include to catalogue the relevant sources of seismic noise that drive the seismic motion at the test facility, to develop algorithms based on machine learning and/or Wiener filtering that use the WAVE seismic network to predict this seismic motion, and to implement such algorithms in real-time (potentially in FPGAs) to demonstrate the use of the prediction in the active seismic isolation of the test facility in a proof-of-principle test. The project also includes studying the conceptual and physical limitations of this approach.

The successful candidate can become members of the Quantum Universe Research School (QURS), which provides academic and soft skills training, as well as career planning support. They will join Hamburg WAVE initiatve, and, if desired, the LIGO collaboration and/or the Einstein Telescope collaboration and attend international conferences.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

The following skills are mandatory:

• excellent command of the English language and the ability to communicate and engage in an international team environment
• experience with seismic wave propagation or active seismic isolation systems
• programming skills using python and/or FPGA programming experience

Prior experience in several of the following fields is beneficial:

Experience with seismic sensing network, distributed acoustic sensing, digital signal processing.

Outstanding candidates will bring a high, intrinsic motivation, individual responsibility, creative scientific thinking and extensive social and team skills.

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Attractive location
• Flexible working hours
• Work-life balance opportunities
• Health management, EGYM Wellpass
• Educational leave
• 30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle "Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

The University of Hamburg strives to increase the number of women in academia, and encourages qualified female academics to apply.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.