Research Associate for the Project “Testing and optimizing linearity and absolute ranging in compact displacement sensors” in the project Deployment and optimisation of compact local sensors for the Einstein Telescope § 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: 01.07.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter pending approval of external funding, 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: 2026-05-24

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 “Deployment and optimisation of compact local sensors” and belongs to the joint project “Challenges in Interferometer Noise and Control” in the scope of R&D for the Einstein Telescope in Germany in the so-called Preparatory Program. The joint project focuses on the laser interferometers, the core of the Einstein Telescope. Their operation, control and noise performance not only determine the astrophysical reach of the observatory, but also drive its design on all relevant scales. To realise the ambitious sensitivity goals of the Einstein Telescope, major challenges in noise and control must be overcome in order to realize the actual observatory design.

In recent years the team in Hamburg has developed a compact sensor scheme based on deep-frequency modulation interferometry (DFMI) and an optical sensor called COBRI for the local readout of suspended test masses to minimize low-frequency control noise. Within the project “Deployment and optimisation of compact local sensors” we will ensure that COBRI/DFMI sensing will be mature and ready for installation in ET and that reliable noise and linearity models are available.

The research of this position focuses on the design and implementation of a three-signal test set-up to characterize and optimize the linearity of DFMI/COBRI sensing and absolute ranging readout.

Responsibilities include to develop the design of an optical experiment, the implementation of the opto-mechanical set-up in our in-house vacuum testbed, the optimization of the realtime signal processing using FPGAs and machine learning, testing methods for the linearization of the laser frequency modulation and to study the combination of sensing signals and geometry optimisations in coordination with other joint project partners and partners in the ET collaboration.

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 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 Einstein Telescope collaboration, they can also join the LIGO collaboration 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
• experience in optics and laser interferometry

Prior experience in several of the following fields is beneficial:

Experience with digital signal processing, machine learning, FPGA programming, laser interferometer noise analysis, laboratory work, hardware development, analog and digital electronics, hardware testing, laser stabilization and precision measurements and 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.

Instructions for applying

Contact

Prof. Oliver Gerberding

Location

Luruper Chaussee 149
22761 Hamburg

Reference number

112

Application deadline

2026-05-24

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.