Research Associate for the Project “Benchmarking and Digital Twin Integration for Seismic Wavefield Analysis” in the project “Newtonian Noise Cancelling Headphones for the Einstein Telescope” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution: Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Earth System Sciences, Geophysics

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01.07.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter pending approval of external funding, fixed until 30.06.2029 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline: 2026-06-01

Scope of work: part-time

Weekly hours: 75 % of standard work hours per week

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.

The position is part of the proposed project "Benchmarking and Digital Twin Integration for Seismic Wavefield Analysis" and belongs to the joint project PREDICT-NN "Newtonian Noise Cancelling Headphones" in the scope of R&D for the Einstein Telescope in Germany. This project aims to develop advanced methods for characterizing and mitigating Newtonian Noise (NN) by integrating machine learning, high-performance computing, and novel sensor technologies. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research environment, contributing to the development of next-generation seismic monitoring systems and supporting the Einstein Telescope’s sensitivity goals.

Within PREDICT-NN, this position will focus on developing and validating a benchmarking workflow for seismic wavefield models using a digital twin of the Einstein Telescope. The candidate will quantify how subsurface heterogeneities, such as soil properties, geological layers, and structural complexities, affect Newtonian Noise (NN) variability. Key tasks include conducting numerical simulations to assess the sensitivity of NN to subsurface structures, analyzing model performance, and integrating findings into a digital twin framework. The role involves collaboration with researchers at the University of Hamburg and international partners to validate models against real-world data from testbeds such as the Black Forest Observatory and WAVE (), as well as contributing to best practices and open-source tools for benchmarking.

This position offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of geophysics, computational modeling, and gravitational wave science, directly contributing to the next-generation gravitational wave detectors.

The position will be situated in the seismology group at the institute of Geophysics of the University of Hamburg. The group specializes in ambient noise seismology and the use of innovative seismic instrumentation. Their research focuses on understanding seismic noise sources, monitoring structural changes in Earth materials and beyond. They apply advanced sensors to investigate the near subsurface and use environmental seismology to monitor environmental processes.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the following requirements:

• a completed research-oriented Master’s degree in Geophysics, Physics, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field; the degree must be completed by the start date
• an outstanding academic track record with demonstrated research potential in numerical modeling or geophysical data analysis
• a strong dedication to scientific inquiry, reliability, and the ability to collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary teams

Essential skills and qualifications:

• a strong background in seismic wave propagation and elastic wave theory
• experience in numerical simulation of seismic wavefields, particularly using finite-difference, finite-element, or spectral-element methods
• proficiency in digital signal processing and time-series analysis
• programming proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or a comparable language for scientific computing
• an excellent command of English, both verbal and written, with the ability to communicate effectively within an international research environment

Prior experience in several of the following fields is beneficial:

• processing and interpretation of large-scale geophysical datasets
• experience with high-performance computing or parallel processing for geophysical applications
• open-source scientific software development or contribution
• experience with digital twin development for geophysical applications
• open-source scientific software development or contribution

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.

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

Instructions for applying

Contact

Prof. Dr. Celine Hadziioannou

Location

Bundesstraße 55
20146 Hamburg

Reference number

130

Application deadline

2026-06-01

Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:

• cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position
• CV, including relevant competences, skills and publication list, if applicable
• copies of degree certificate(s) and transcripts of records for previous studies (Bachelor and/or Master); please indicate expected date of graduation if your Master’s degree is not completed
• contact information of two references

If you experience technical problems, send an email to .

More information on in selection procedures.