Research Associate for the Project “Fossil fields in Ap/Bp stars: an origin from star formation and protostellar evolution” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG (2 PhD positions)
InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Physics, Hamburg Observatory
Salary level
Start date01.10.2025, fixed for a period of 36 months (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).
Application deadline15.07.2025
Scope of workpart-time
Weekly hours50 % of standard work hours per week
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.
Research within the DFG funded project "Fossil magnetic fields in Ap/Bp stars: an origin from star formation and protostellar evolution". This research project focuses on the exploration of the origin of magnetic fields in radiative Ap/Bp-type stars, where stellar dynamos cannot operate due to the absence of convection. Instead we explore a possible fossil origin with magnetic fields resulting from the star formation process. These magnetic fields then also need to survive the phase of protostellar evolution. This project skems to make significant advances on this topic pursuing multi-physics high-resolution simulations of intermediate-mass star formation to arrive at predictions for the expected strength of fossil magnetic fields, and subsequently to assess their possibility of survival during the protostellar evolution phase, considering the possible decay of magnetic fields due to their interaction with the convective phases of the protostar.
This multi-disciplinary project will be pursued in international collaboration with partners in Rome (Sapienza University, Prof. Dr. Dominik Schleicher), Freiburg (Institute for Solar Physics, Dr. Petri Käpylä) and Florence (Prof. Dr. Daniele Galli, INAF Astrophysical Observatory of Florence). Weare offering two PhD positions that will be located in Hamburg but include the possibility of international collaboration and mutual (also extended) visits. We seek students who are interested in international and multi-disciplinary collaboration and with strong interest in numerical modeling and multi-disciplinary work.
Your profile
A university degree in a relevant field.
Knowledge in astrophysics and experience with numerical simulations.
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.