Job Description

InstitutionFaculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Department of 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 deadline15.12.2025
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. The Collaborative Research Center 1624 “Higher Structures, Moduli Spaces and Integrability” connects the three core areas higher structures and (topological) quantum field theories, integrability of non-perturbative effects in quantum field and string theories and deformations and asymptotics of moduli spaces.



The specific project is in the field of String Compactifications, String Geometry and relations to Quantum Gravity, in particular to the Swampland Program. Duties include academic services in the project named above, especially active pursuit of research in the program at an internationally competitive level, participation in the academic obligations of the group, co-supervision of students and co-organisation of seminars and workshops.



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.



The applicants are expected to contribute to the research of the group at an internationally competitive level and to have demonstrated their ability to perform independent research in the field of string compactifications, string geometry and quantum gravity by having research experience equivalent to or comparable with a Ph.D. in theoretical physics or mathematics.



Apart from scientific excellence, they are expected to have excellent communication skills in English, both in written and oral form.


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. Timo Weigand



timo.weigand@desy.de



+49 40 8998-2237


Prof. Dr. Jörg Teschner



joerg.teschner@desy.de



+49 40 42838-6963


Reference number


361
Location


Notkestraße 9

22607 Hamburg



Application deadline


15.12.2025
Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:


cover letter CV copies of degree certificate(s)

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