Research Associate for the Project “Distributed acoustic and seismic sensing in ET infrastructures” in the Project “High-precision optimal hybrid sensor networks for Newtonian noise mitigation in the Einstein Telescope” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution: Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Physics, Institute of Experimental Physics and Hamburg Observatory

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01.01.2027, 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: 2026-10-31

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 further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities.

The position is part of the project High-Precision Optimal Hybrid Sensor Networks within the joint project Newtonian Noise Cancelling Headphones of the German Einstein Telescope Preparatory Programme. The joint project focuses on the mitigation of environmental, seismic and Newtonian noise, which would otherwise limit the sensitivity and the astrophysical reach of the observatory. Achieving these ambitious sensitivity goals requires the development and deployment of advanced, large-scale hybrid sensor networks capable of measuring seismic wavefields and environmental disturbances and enabling active noise mitigation.

In recent years, the research team in Hamburg has developed expertise in distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) and optimal seismic sensor fusion arrays to mitigate Newtonian noise in the Einstein Telescope. Together with the WAVE initiative Hamburg, the group operates a large-scale urban DAS infrastructure in the Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld for environmental monitoring, seismic wavefield characterization and sensor performance studies. Recently, the team has deployed DAS at the LIGO Hanford Observatory joining the intermediate observation run 2026 and it also develops its own novel, high-precision DAS system. Building on this expertise, the project aims to investigate the potential of DAS for gravitational wave observatories and to develop optimal distributed monitoring concepts for the Einstein Telescope.

The research of this position focuses on DAS for environmental monitoring and seismic wavefield characterization for the Einstein Telescope. Responsibilities include planning and performing DAS measurement campaigns, analysing large-scale seismic datasets, investigating fiber deployment strategies for detector infrastructure required for Newtonian noise mitigation, environmental sensing and seismology, and developing scalable data-processing workflows. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of scalable sensing technologies for future gravitational wave detectors in close collaboration with national and international partners and the Einstein Telescope Organisation (ETO).

The position will be situated in the newly established research group for Gravitational and Astroparticle Physics at the University of Hamburg. The group conducts research in precision optical metrology for experiments in gravitational wave and astroparticle physics, including the Einstein Telescope, LIGO, and the Any Light Particle Search II (ALPS II) experiment at DESY and coordinates the WAVE initiative Hamburg. Current research focuses on laser interferometry, quantum sensing, optical-, seismic- and particle simulations, fiber sensing, and Newtonian noise mitigation.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to become a member of the Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe and benefit from its scientific network, academic and transferable-skills training, and career development support. They will join the Einstein Telescope Collaboration and will also have the opportunity to join the LIGO Scientific Collaboration. The position includes participation in international collaboration meetings, workshops, and conferences.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field, plus doctorate.

The following skills are mandatory

• excellent command of the English language and the ability to communicate and engage in an international team environment
• experience in seismic sensors, distributed acoustic sensing, field and laboratory experiments, data analysis

Prior experience in several of the following fields is beneficial: gravitational wave detectors, optimal experiment design, geophysics, fiber installation, large-scale research infrastructures, programming, software development, and version control using Git.

Outstanding candidates will demonstrate a high level of intrinsic motivation, scientific creativity, the ability to work independently, a structured and responsible approach to research, excellent communication skills, and strong teamwork abilities in an international research environment.

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.

Notice regarding the background check under Section 34a of the Hamburg security clearance act (Gesetz zur Regelung der Sicherheitsüberprüfungen, HmbSÜG): On behalf of the person chosen in the selection procedure, this office submits an inquiry to the state office for the protection of the constitution (Landesamt für Verfassungsschutz) regarding any available findings/information which meet the statutory requirements ( and ).

Instructions for applying

Contact

Katharina-Sophie Isleif

Celine Hadziioannou

Location

Luruper Chaussee 149
22761 Hamburg

Reference number

263

Application deadline

2026-10-31

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.