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

Salary levelEGR. 13 TV-L

Start date01.11.2025, fixed for a period of three years. (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline18.08.2025

Scope of workpart-time

Weekly hours66,67 % of standard work hours per week

Your responsibilities

Research associates will be expected primarily to teach and conduct research. The research associate will also have the opportunity to pursue further academic qualifications, in particular a doctoral dissertation. At least one-third of set working hours will be made available for the research associate’s own academic work.

The successful candidate will be strongly engaged in the experimental work in our Astroparticle Physics group which is part of the Cluster of Excellence "Quantum Universe”. A new experiment to search for MHz gravitational waves is currently in the prototype stage. You will be driving the design and optimization of the RF detector that will be operated inside a 14 T solenoid to search for both transient and stochastic gravitational waves. Your main contributions will be the installation and commissioning of the first detector design, reduction of noise contributions and running a matched-template search on real-time data for a first-science data run. You are also expected to contribute to the development of the next iteration of the experimental setup, optimizing both the design and the operation of a follow-up experiment. The research associate is expected to contribute to teaching at the level of 2.5 hours per week.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

You need to have experience in experimental work with an emphasis on RF methods, in the ideal case in the field of Astroparticle Physics. Experience in hardware-oriented programming (e.g., microcontroller, FPGA) with relations to controlling and monitoring a lab setup are very useful. A track record in high frequency gravitational wave phenomenology is very welcome.

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.