Research Associate for the Project “Modelling and design tools review & support” in the joint project Challenges in Interferometer Noise and Control for the Einstein Telescope § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG
InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Physics, Institute of Experimental Physics
Salary level
Start date01.07.2026 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 deadline24.05.2026
Scope of workfull-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 “Modelling and design tools review & support” 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.
This position for a research associate or a research software engineer will support the efforts of the work package “Modelling and Design Tools” of the interferometer division of the Einstein Telescope Collaboration Instrument Science Board.
The research of this position focuses on establishing and supporting review procedures for modelling, design and analysis of the ET instrument. The work shall also enable repeatable and traceable analysis of instrument design with a detector repository that stores all critical parameters with a unique version identifier. Finally, the research will focus on improving the interoperability and functions of existing modelling and design tools for e.g. noise analysis, optical design, control design and dynamic mechanical models.
Responsibilities include to develop, set-up and maintain a set of repositories and procedures, to support scientific code reviews, to develop and test scientific software, to implement structures for the ET instrument design following the FAIR principles and to, generally, support the development of a full technical design report for the Einstein Telescope. The position will coordinate closely with other joint project partners and partners in the ET collaboration and the ET organisation.
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 can make use 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:
1. excellent command of the English language and the ability to communicate and engage in an international team environment
2. experience with research software development
3. experience with git and gitlab
Prior experience in several of the following fields is beneficial:
Experience with gravitational wave detection, software review, large research collaborations, laser interferometer modelling and design tools.
Outstanding candidates will bring a high, intrinsic motivation, individual responsibility, creative scientific thinking and extensive social and team skills.
We offer
4. Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
5. Continuing education opportunities
6. University pensions
7. Attractive location
8. Flexible working hours
9. Work-life balance opportunities
10. Health management, EGYM Wellpass
11. Educational leave
12. 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.