Research Associate for the Project “Nature of “Little Red Dots”: the connection between an AGN in the early Universe and cosmic structure formation” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG
InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Physics
Salary level
Start date01.05.2026 (negotiable, 01.09.2026 at the latest), 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 deadline04.01.2026
Scope of workpart-time
Weekly hours66 % of standard work hours per week
We invite applications for a position in extragalactic astrophysics at Hamburg Observatory (University of Hamburg) within the DFG-funded Emmy Noether Research Group led by Dr. Jan-Torge Schindler.
The group studies the formation of growing supermassive black holes (SMBHs) and their subsequent evolution in the early Universe. We aim to understand the processes by which SMBHs form, how they grow to their observed masses and how they influence the evolution of their host galaxies. Furthermore, we use actively growing SMBHs - quasars - as probes of the cosmic large-scale structure and the physical evolution of the intergalactic medium.
In order to address these science questions, we use wide-area photometric surveys to discover new quasars at high redshift (using Euclid, LSST, data mining, machine learning, spectroscopy), conduct follow-up observations to characterise them (with optical, near-infrared, and sub-mm observations, spectroscopic modelling, e.g. JWST) and analyse their demographics (e.g., luminosity function, mass function using statistical inference).
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.
We are looking for a PhD candidate with a keen interest in topics related to galaxy and supermassive black hole formation and evolution in the early Universe. The prospective candidate will work on questions related to the nature of a “Little Red Dot” as part of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) program GO 5734.
Your profile
A university degree in a relevant field.
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Physics, Astronomy/Astrophysics, or equivalent at the time of starting the position. Excellent English proficiency, good communication and team skills are also required.
Knowledge in extragalactic astrophysics and proficiency in coding (e.g., with python) is highly desirable. Demonstrated experience in astronomical data reduction (imaging & spectroscopy), especially regarding observations of the James Webb Space Telescopes (using their pipelines), are additional assets.
We offer
1. Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
2. Continuing education opportunities
3. University pensions
4. Attractive location
5. Flexible working hours
6. Work-life balance opportunities
7. Health management, EGYM Wellpass
8. Educational leave
9. 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.