Research Associate for the Project “Developing ET Noise Budget: Reliability, Accessibility and

Research Associate for the Project “Developing ET Noise Budget: Reliability, Accessibility and Completeness” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Physics, Institute for Quantum Physics

Salary level

Start dateas soon as possible, 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 deadline17.08.2026

Scope of workfull-time position suitable for part-time

The position is part of the German Einstein Telescope R&D preparatory programme and project B6 “Developing ET Noise Budget: Reliability, Accessibility and Completeness”. The project will provide reliable, documented, and publicly accessible ET noise budgets for detector-design decisions, including model verification, traceability, and new contributions such as control noise, scattered light, and advanced Newtonian-noise models.

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities.

• support project management, strategic planning, code review procedures, and coordination with the Einstein Telescope Collaboration, ETO, and partner projects
• initiate and contribute to workshops with European expert groups on specific ET noise sources and modelling assumptions
• work with project partners to add new noise sources and functionality, with priorities including control noise, scattered light, and advanced Newtonian-noise models
• develop an accessible web-based interface for plotting ET noise budgets and varying key detector parameters, aligned with traceable review and repository workflows
• verify, test, document, and review existing ET noise-budget models in pygwinc, including seismic noise, Newtonian noise, suspension and coating thermal noise, and stray-light noise
• develop a robust, well-documented, and broadly accessible software framework for Einstein Telesco noise budgeting based on pygwinc

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field, plus doctorate.

• very good English-language communication skills and ability to document scientific software clearly for a broad technical audience
• ability to work independently, organize collaborative tasks, and communicate with international research groups and stakeholders
• experience with Git-based workflows, testing, documentation, code review, and open-source scientific software development is desirable
• strong programming skills in Python; experience with pygwinc, FINESSE, IfoCAD, SpicyPy, or related optical/control simulation tools are desirable
• knowledge of gravitational-wave detector physics, interferometry, quantum noise, technical noise, control systems, or precision metrology is desirable
• we are looking for an experienced postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in physics or a closely related field and demonstrated ability in quantitative modelling and scientific software development

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.