Research Associate for the Project “Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe” Searching for axions with astrophysi-cal observations § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution: Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of 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: 2026-01-20

Scope of work: part-time

Weekly hours: 66,67 % of standard work hours per week

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.

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.

We are going to use astrophysical observations to search for signatures of axion-like particles. The mixing of axion-like particles with photons of different energies is determined by the intervening astrophysical magnetic fields. We are going to search for spectral signatures of gamma-ray and X-ray emission from Galactic and extra-galactic objects using the most recent models for the magnetic fields along the line-of sight.

Doctoral 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. Doctoral researchers may participate in 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.

The successful candidate should have experience with advanced astrophysical data analysis in the context of multi-mission and multi-wavelength observations including e.g., Fermi-LAT and imaging X-ray missions. Prior experience with methods of statistical inference using simulations or anomaly searches with machine-learning approaches is desirable.

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

• structured doctoral program
• supervision and 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

Dieter Horns

Location

Luruper Chaussee 149
22761 Hamburg

Reference number

403

Application deadline

2026-01-20

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.