Research Associate for the Project “Optical testing and optimal signal combinations for the LISA ground-support equipment phasemeter” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

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

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01.10.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter pending approval of external funding, fixed until 30.09.2029 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline: 2026-09-06

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 “LISA ground-support equipment: Support for the usage of a Phasemeter simulator and optical testing”. Specifically, the candidate will participate in the optical testing of an electrical ground-support equipment version of the LISA phase readout system (phasemeter), based on the MicroTCA.4 standard. The candidate will also use the multi-channel readout provided by the ground-support equipment phasemeter to study noise sources in a dedicated in-house optical experiment, investigating also use of machine learning techniques for noise reduction. Finally, the candidate will support the usage of ground-support equipment phasemeters for the verification and testing of LISA engineering models and flight hardware in laboratories of national and international partners.

The project is funded by the German Aerospace Agency (DLR) and the phasemeter development is conducted in close collaboration with the local partner, DESY MSK, and in collaboration and coordination with the LISA Consortium and national and international partners that make use of the ground-support equipment to assembly, integrate, verify and test the LISA instrument.

The position will be situated in the research group for gravitational wave detection at the University of Hamburg. The group studies metrology and develops instrumentation for ground and space-based detectors like the Einstein Telescope, LIGO, the Lunar Gravitational Wave Antenna (LGWA) and the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) with a focus on laser interferometry, inertial sensing, seismic isolation and digital readout and control.

The successful candidate for this position can pursue a doctoral degree in Physics at the University of Hamburg.

The successful candidate can become members of the Quantum Universe Research School (QURS), which provides academic and soft skills training, as well as career planning support. They will join the LISA consortium and attend international conferences.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

The following skills are mandatory:

• excellent command of the English language and the ability to communicate and engage in an international team environment
• high motivation and self-organisation skills
• experience with laboratory experiments, ideally gravitational wave detection and laser interferometry

Prior experience in several of the following fields is beneficial:

laser stabilization, opto-electronics, optics and laser interferometry, specifically noise analysis, space-based instrumentation, hardware development and testing, analogue and digital electronics, FPGA programming, machine learning

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.

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

Prof. Oliver Gerberding

Location

Luruper Chaussee 149
22761 Hamburg

Reference number

225

Application deadline

2026-09-06

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.