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

Institution:

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

Salary level:

Start date:

01.03.2027 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 deadline:

2026-12-15

Scope of work:

full-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).

We are looking for a candidate with a keen interest in the formation and growth of supermassive black holes in the first billion years of cosmic time. This project position focuses on the analysis of quasar discovery observations collected by the HST program SNAP 18112 (PI: Wolf) and the JWST survey program GO 11173 (PI: Schindler). More generally, the successful candidate is expected to lead efforts on high-redshift quasar/galaxy discovery and characterization within the Euclid Consortium’s Primeval Universe Science Working Group and its work package QSOs. Please do not hesitate to contact Jan-Torge Schindler for more information about the position.

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.

Please do not hesitate to contact Jan-Torge Schindler via the below email address in case you have any questions about the position, the selection process, or the possible research projects. More information about the research group can be found at https://jtschindler.github.io/.

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

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 constitution (Landesamt für Verfassungsschutz) regarding any available findings/information which meet the statutory requirements ( background check and data protection information ).

Instructions for applying

Contact

Dr. Jan-Torge Schindler

[E-Mail-Adresse in der Originalanzeige]

+49 40 42838-8427

Location

Gojensbergsweg 112

21029 Hamburg

Zu Google Maps

Reference number

278

Application deadline

2026-12-15

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