Research Associate for the Project “Phasemeter development, testing and usage support” LISA ground-support equipment: Support for the usage of a Phasemeter simulator and optical testing § 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: 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 proposed project “LISA ground-support equipment: Support for the usage of a Phasemeter simulator and optical testing”. Specifically, the candidate will participate in finalizing the development of specific modules of the GSE phasemeter and will support the adaption of modules to changing hardware specifications. The candidate will also provide on-site support for users of the GSE phasemeter at national and international laboratories and will study the usage of the GSE phasemeter in verification and testing experiments in the context of the LISA mission and the performance of its optical metrology.

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 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
• experience with FPGA programming or other extensive programming experience

Prior experience in several of the following fields is beneficial:

laser stabilization, opto-electronics, optics and laser interferometry, space-based instrumentation, hardware development and testing, analogue and digital electronics, LISA and space-based gravitational wave detection

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

226

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.