Research Associate for the Project “Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe” Cosmological Probes of Dark Particle Physics § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG
Institution: Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Physics, Cluster of Excellence “Quantum Universe”
Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L
Start date: 01.09.2026 or 01.10.2026, 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 deadline: 2026-03-15
Scope of work: part-time
Weekly hours: 66,67 % 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 Cluster of Excellence “Quantum Universe” performs research to understand mass and gravity at the interface between quantum physics and cosmology. The research team includes leading scientists from mathematics, particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology at the University of Hamburg and DESY.
Topics will include particle physics beyond the Standard Model, dark matter, axions, early universe, baryogenesis, cosmological phase transitions, inflation, gravitational-wave signatures of physics beyond the Standard Model.
Doctoral research associates will become members of the Quantum Universe Research School (QURS), which provides academic and key skills training, as well as career planning support. In addition, they will receive individual budgets to facilitate the attendance of summer schools and conferences, and to support other educational measures. Additional travel money for project-specific duties will be provided by the hosting research groups. Doctoral researchers may participate in teaching at the University and in the organization of the Cluster via an early career council.
Your profile
A university degree in a relevant field.
Research experience in theoretical physics (during Master or internships).
Excellent grades during Master and Bachelor studies, strong technical background in theoretical particle physics. Good command of the English language. Strong initiative and engagement in an international team environment.
Successful candidates are expected to pursue a doctoral thesis in physics at the University of Hamburg. The regular duration of a doctoral thesis project at the Department of Physics is three years.
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
- structured doctoral program;
- supervision and mentoring scheme
- individual travel budget
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.
Instructions for applying
Contact
Prof. Dr. Géraldine Servant
Location
Luruper Chaussee 149
22761 Hamburg
Reference number
63
Application deadline
2026-03-15
Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:
- cover letter
- CV
- copies of degree certificate(s)
- Please also arrange for two letters of reference to be emailed directly to .
If you experience technical problems, send an email to .
More information on in selection procedures.