Research Associate for the Project “DEmocratizing MOdelS (DEMOS): Cross-discipline Platform for Exchange of Research Models § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG
InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Physics, Institute of Experimental Physics
Salary level
Start date01.03.2026, the initial contract period ends on 31.10.2028 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).
Application deadline31.12.2025
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 independent research and further academic qualifications.
The project DEMOS develops a federated, interoperable platform for sharing and re-using probabilistic models across the ErUM research domains (particle, nuclear, hadron, neutrino, astro-, and laser physics).
The successful candidate will work within the Particle Physics branch of the consortium at the University of Hamburg and will:
1. contribute to the development of the backend engines for the DEMOS model standard, building upon the existing HS³ framework
2. design and implement serialization, parsing, and validation tools for complex statistical models
3. develop interoperability mechanisms to connect DEMOS with existing infrastructures such as HEPData and Zenodo
4. coordinate with national partners (Bochum, Munich, Mainz, Dresden-Rossendorf) on standard definition, cross-language validation, and containerization workflows
5. participate in outreach and community-engagement efforts, including documentation, workshops, and model-showcase preparation for ATLAS/CMS models
Independent research in related areas (e.g. statistical modeling, data analysis, or software development for HEP) is encouraged and supported.
Your profile
A university degree in a relevant field.
6. completed university degree (Master or equivalent)
7. proven experience in scientific software development (C++ and/or Python) and data analysis frameworks such as ROOT, RooFit, or PyHF
8. familiarity with statistical modeling, likelihood-based inference, or research data management
9. ability to work collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary and multi-institutional and international environment
10. strong communication skills and interest in open-science practices and standardization initiatives
Desirable:
11. experience with open standards for software or data formats
12. experience with JSON-based data formats, continuous integration, containerization (Docker/Podman), or open-source software maintenance
13. further qualifications such as a PhD in physics or computer science, or any other applications related to data science are advantageous
We offer
14. Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
15. Continuing education opportunities
16. University pensions
17. Attractive location
18. Flexible working hours
19. Work-life balance opportunities
20. Health management, EGYM Wellpass
21. Educational leave
22. 30 days of vacation per annum
Our team is leading such experiments as part of the CMS collaboration at CERN’s LHC. In particular, we aim to improve previous measurements through advanced statistical methods, quantitative machine learning and additional data. Our group consists of more than 60 members and is deeply involved in Higgs analyses, top physics, searches for physics beyond the standard model, detector R&D and construction, computing, as well as calibration and trigger development of the CMS experiment.
A close collaboration exists with other research groups in experimental and theoretical physics of the University and of DESY located on the same campus. Our group is part of the Cluster of Excellence “Quantum Universe” which performs research to understand mass and gravity at the interface between quantum physics and cosmology. This research team includes leading scientists from mathematics, particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology at the University of Hamburg and DESY.
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.