Research Associate for the Project “Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe” Particle acceleration in neutron star mergers § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Research Associate for the Project “Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe” Particle acceleration in neutron star mergers § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHGInstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Physics, II. Institute for Theoretical Physics, Cluster of Excellence “Quantum Universe”Salary levelStart date01.04.2026, 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 deadline23.01.2026Scope of workpart-timeWeekly hours66,67 % of standard work hours per weekYour responsibilitiesDuties 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. The Cluster of Excellence “Quantum Universe” performs research to understand mass and gravity at the interface between quantum physics and cosmology. The research team includes leading scientists from mathematics, particle physics, astrophysics, and cosmology at the University of Hamburg and DESY. We invite applications for a doctoral research associate working on particle acceleration in neutron star mergers. Such objects can contribute to the flux of ultra-high energy cosmic rays, gamma-rays and neutrinos. They can also lead to gravitational wave bursts of which at least one case has been detected by ground based gravitational wave detectors in coincidence with photons. In this project the PhD student will model particle acceleration and propagation within and from these objects by applying and further developing Monte Carlo and particle-in-cell codes. The goal is to predict multi-messenger signatures that can then be compared with data. Doctoral research associates will become members of the Quantum Universe Research School (QURS), which provides academic and key skills training, as well as career planning support. In addition, they will receive individual budgets to facilitate the attendance of summer schools and conferences, and to support other educational measures. Additional travel money for project-specific duties will be provided by the hosting research groups. Doctoral researchers may participate in the organization of the Cluster via an early career council.Your profileA university degree in a relevant field. Basic knowledge of astroparticle physics phenomenology and some experience with programming in modern programming languages such as python and C will be an advantage.We offerReliable remuneration based on wage agreementsContinuing education opportunitiesUniversity pensionsAttractive locationFlexible working hoursWork-life balance opportunitiesHealth management, EGYM WellpassEducational leave30 days of vacation per annum structured doctoral program supervision and mentoring scheme individual travel budget 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.