Research Associate for the Project “Quantum Gravity at Strong Coupling” (PhD candidate) § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Institution: Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Physics, II. Institute for Theoretical Physics

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01.10.2026, 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: 2026-04-01

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 further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.

The successful candidate will work as a doctoral research associate in the Emmy Noether Junior Research Group, “Quantum Gravity at Strong Coupling and its Impact on Physics at Low Energies”, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The research project will be led by Dr. Max Wiesner and will focus on the computation of strong-coupling effects in string compactifications, with applications to quantum gravity, such as the Swampland Program and String Phenomenology.

The Emmy Noether group is embedded in the II. Institute of Theoretical Physics and part of an excellent research environment in Mathematical Physics with many joint activities of the Theoretical Physics Group, the DESY Theory Group and the Mathematics Department, e.g., within the Cluster of Excellence “Quantum Universe II” and the Collaborative Research Center 1624 “Higher Structures, Moduli Spaces and Integrability”.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

An excellent university degree (M.Sc) in Physics or Mathematics is required. Candidates are expected to have a strong background in theoretical and mathematical physics, in particular quantum field and string theory.

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

The doctoral research associate will receive an individual budget to facilitate the attendance of summer schools and conferences, and to support other educational measures. Moreover, the successful applicant will become a member of the Quantum Universe Research School (QURS), which provides academic and soft skills training, as well as career planning support.

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

Dr. Max Wiesner

Location

Notkestraße 9
22607 Hamburg

Reference number

76

Application deadline

2026-04-01

Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:

• cover letter
• CV
• copies of degree certificate(s)
• please also arrange for two letters of reference to be emailed directly to

If you experience technical problems, send an email to .

More information on in selection procedures.