Job Description

InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of Mathematics/Physics, Cluster of Excellence “Quantum Universe”
Salary levelEGR. 13 TV-L
Start date01.10.2026, 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 deadline14.12.2025
Scope of workfull-time position suitable for part-time
Your responsibilities


Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications.



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 aim to fill two three-year postdoctoral positions for research on higher structures and categorification in the context of quantum topology in the research groups of Prof. Dr. Tobias Dyckerhoff and Prof. Dr. Paul Wedrich as part of the project “Stable Categorification”. Desirable relevant expertise and interests include: higher algebra, stable -categories, ( , n)-categories, extended topological quantum field theories, knot homology theories, categorified quantum groups/KLR algebras, and related topics in algebraic and symplectic geometry. The project is part of an interdisciplinary collaboration between mathematicians and physicists aiming to develop novel algebraic and geometric structures by extracting exact information from physical theories. Active participation in this collaboration is expected.



Postdoctoral 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. Postdoctoral research associates may participate in the supervision of doctoral researchers, teaching at the University, and in the organization of the Cluster via an early career council.


Your profile


A university degree in a relevant field.



Research experience equivalent to a PhD.



Mathematical background in a research area relevant to the project.


We offer

Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements Continuing education opportunities University pensions Attractive location Flexible working hours Work-life balance opportunities Health management, EGYM Wellpass Educational leave 30 days of vacation per annum 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.


Instructions for applying


Contact


Prof. Dr. Tobias Dyckerhoff



tobias.dyckerhoff@uni-hamburg.de



+49 40 42838-5152


Prof. Dr. Paul Wedrich



paul.wedrich@uni-hamburg.de



+49 40 42838-5181


Reference number


373
Location


Bundesstraße 55

20146 Hamburg



Application deadline


14.12.2025
Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:


cover letter with description of possibilities for collaboration CV statement of research interests copies of degree certificate(s)

Send us your complete application documents via the online application form only, and arrange for at least three letters of reference to be emailed to bewerbungen@uni-hamburg.de by the application deadline.



If you experience technical problems, send an email to bewerbungen@uni-hamburg.de.