Research Associate for the Project “A JWST/HST Census of faint, distant Quasars at Cosmic Dawn” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Research Associate for the Project “A JWST/HST Census of faint, distant Quasars at Cosmic Dawn” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Physics

Salary level

Start date01.03.2027 or later, pending approval of external funding, fixed for a period of 2 years (with a possible extension of 1 year pending future external funding) (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline15.12.2026

Scope of workfull-time position suitable for part-time

We invite applications for one position in extragalactic astrophysics at Hamburg Observatory (Universität 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 utilize 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) 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 further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities.

The research associate will spend 100% of their time on academic research, including communicating results in major conferences and through journal publications. In addition to pursuing independent research and obtaining further qualifications, they also have the opportunity to mentor students at the Bachelor and Master level.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field, plus doctorate.

Applicants should hold a university degree with a doctorate in a relevant field (e.g., Physics, Astronomy/Astrophysics) at the time of starting. The position requires demonstrated research experience (in form of publications) in the area of extragalactic astrophysics, specifically on the topics of active galactic nuclei/quasars or high-redshift galaxies. Furthermore, applicants should have experience in the data reduction and analysis of spectroscopic observations. Additionally, the position requires excellent English proficiency, good communication and team skills.

We offer

Reliable remuneration based on wage agreementsContinuing education opportunitiesUniversity pensionsAttractive locationFlexible working hoursWork-life balance opportunitiesHealth management, EGYM WellpassEducational leave30 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.

Notice regarding the background check under Section 34a of the Hamburg security clearance act (Gesetz zur Regelung der Sicherheitsüberprüfungen, HmbSÜG): On behalf of the person chosen in the selection procedure, this office submits an inquiry to the state office for the protection of the constitut