Job Description

Remuneration Group 13 | Limited: 3 years | Starting date: earliest possible | ID: FHDO021/2025 | Deadline: 31.12.2025 | Full-time/Part-time


DESY, with more than 2900 employees at its two locations in Hamburg and Zeuthen, is one of the world's leading research centres. Its research focuses on decoding the structure and function of matter, from the smallest particles of the universe to the building blocks of life. In this way, DESY contributes to solving the major questions and urgent challenges facing science, society and industry. With its ultramodern research infrastructure, its interdisciplinary research platforms and its international networks, DESY offers a highly attractive working environment in the fields of science, technology and administration as well as for the education of highly qualified young scientists.




We invite applications for a PhD position in the field of self-interacting dark matter phenomenology, jointly hosted by the DESY Theory Group and the Observatory of the University of Hamburg. Situated at the intersection of astronomy and particle physics, the successful candidate will carry out theoretical research on dark matter phenomenology, with a particular focus on cosmological simulations and their implications for astrophysical observations.




This position is part of the Excellence Cluster Quantum Universe, which 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 offer a vibrant international environment, access to world-class research facilities, and participation in a structured mentoring programme to support academic and professional development. 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 teaching at the University and in the organization of the Cluster via an early career council.

Late applications may still be considered until the position is filled.

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About your role:

The successful candidate will carry out theoretical research on dark matter phenomenology, with a particular focus on cosmological simulations and their implications for astrophysical observations

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Good reasons to join:

Look forward to a unique working environment on our international research campus. Respectful cooperation and the well-being of our DESY employees are particularly important to us. Gender equality is an important aspect for us. To support work life balance we offer flexible working hours and variable part-time. You will benefit from our family-friendly and collegial atmosphere, our established health management and occupational pension provision. As a public funded employer, we offer you a secure workplace and facilitate your individual career with our comprehensive training and development opportunities. Remuneration is according to the regulations of the TV-AVH. DESY offers its employees a financial supplement for a German job ticket (Deutschland-Ticket) at both locations.


Limited: 3 years


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About you:

A university degree (MSc or equivalent) in a relevant field Excellent English communication skills are required A solid background in cosmology, extragalactic astronomy and ideally also (astro-)particle physics Experience in programming as well as in working with high-performance computing systems would be beneficial

For further information please contact Kai Schmidt-Hoberg at +49 40 8998-1494 (kai.schmidt.hoberg@desy.de).


DESY in Hamburg does not grant doctoral degrees directly but collaborates with the University of Hamburg. Candidates for thesis research will have to satisfy the terms of admission for doctoral theses of the University of Hamburg. PhD students receive a monthly salary of 67% of the payment of the remuneration group 13 TVöD (Federal Government). The regular duration of a PhD at the Department of Physics is three years.




Interested candidates are invited to submit the following application materials: CV, cover letter, academic records, two letters of recommendation via our application portal.


We look forward to receiving your application via our application portal:





DESY promotes equal opportunities and diversity. The professional development of women is very important to us and therefore we strongly encourage women to apply for the vacant position. Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preference if they are equally qualified (sbv.desy.de).




You can find further information here:


https://www.desy.de/career/




Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY


Personalabteilung


Notkestraße 85


22607 Hamburg


Phone: +49 40 8998-3392


Deadline for applications: 01.01.2026