Research Associate for the Project “Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe” Low-frequency control noise reduction in ground-based gravitational wave detectors such as the Einstein Telescope § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution: Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Mathematics/Physics, Cluster of Excellence “Quantum Universe”

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01.04.2026, 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: 2026-01-04

Scope of work: full-time position suitable for part-time

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications.

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.

The research group for gravitational wave detection at the University of Hamburg studies metrology and develops instrumentation for current and future ground and space-based detectors like the Einstein Telescope, LIGO, the Lunar Gravitational Wave Antenna and the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) with a focus on laser interferometry with a focus on inertial sensing, scattered light, compact interferometers, digital readout and control.

The candidate is expected to contribute to the efforts to understand, model and reduce controls noise in current and future detectors and, specifically, to support the design of the Einstein Telescope low-frequency seismic isolation and active noise mitigation system. Relevant findings will also be contributed to current detectors such as LIGO.

The local seismic isolation, sensor, and control testbed VATIGrav provides opportunities for in-house experiments that use compact interferometric sensors developed by our group in combination with mechanical systems such as beam balances and suspended masses to create and test multi-degree-of-freedom inertial sensors and to integrate them into the active isolation system using modern or even machine-learning based control strategies. This work shall specifically also involve the exchange with other groups in e.g., the Einstein Telescope and IGWN collaborations by conducting tests of sensors from other collaborating groups and by contributing to experiments in other international R&D facilities.
The candidate will join the LIGO collaboration and the Einstein Telescope collaboration.

Postdoctoral 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. Postdoctoral research associates may participate in the supervision of doctoral researchers, 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 equivalent to a PhD.

• excellent command of the English language and the ability to communicate and engage in an international team environment
• laboratory and hands-on experimental skills
• experience with gravitational wave detection experiments and/or laser experiments, quantum optics and opto-mechanics
• experience with suspensions and/or inertial sensors and corresponding noise modelling
• experience with control theory and/or machine learning methods

Prior experience in several of the following fields is beneficial: Experience with laser interferometry, phase readout, signal processing, optical and mechanical design and simulation, gravitational wave detection, seismic measurements, hands-on experience from e.g. gravitational wave observatories or large-scale prototype facilities. 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

• 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

Oliver Gerberding

Location

Luruper Chaussee 149
22761 Hamburg

Reference number

380

Application deadline

2026-01-04

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

• cover letter
• CV
• copies of degree certificate(s)

If you experience technical problems, send an email to .

More information on in selection procedures.