Research Position (Postdoc) in Gravitational Wave Detector Instrumentation at Leibniz University Hannover – Germany

Summary

Leibniz University Hannover’s Institute for Gravitational Physics is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher in Gravitational Wave Detector Instrumentation. The three-year fixed-term appointment contributes to the project 'Developing a modular suspension platform interferometer for the Einstein Telescope.' The successful candidate will work at the 10m Prototype Facility to design and validate an ultra-sensitive interferometric sensor for measuring motion between seismically isolated platforms. Applicants must hold a completed university degree in physics, optical engineering, or a related field, alongside strong skills in optics, interferometry, mechanics, and laboratory simulation tools. A doctorate and relevant expertise in gravitational wave detector instrumentation are preferred. The position offers pay under TV-L scale 13, access to professional development via QUEST Leibniz Research School and QuantumFrontiers, and options for flexible work arrangements. The application deadline is 2026-10-11.

Key Facts

Department	Institute for Gravitational Physics
Position Type	Postdoctoral Researcher
Discipline	Physics / Optical Engineering
Research Area	Gravitational wave detector instrumentation
Degree Required	Completed university degree in physics, optical engineering, or a comparable field
Experience	Experience with optical laboratories, optical and mechanical simulations, and student supervision. A doctorate and experience in gravitational wave detector instrumentation are preferred.
Salary	Pay scale 13 TV-L
Contract Duration	3 years
Language	English
Deadline	2026-10-11
Required Documents	Cover letter, CV, Copies of academic degrees, Up to two reference letters sent directly by referees
Employer Address	Institute for Gravitational Physics, Leibniz University Hannover, Callinstr. 38, 30167 Hannover, Germany
Employer Contact	Dr. David Wu, [email protected]

About the Project

The project, titled 'Developing a modular suspension platform interferometer for the Einstein Telescope,' focuses on investigating, designing, and validating an ultra-sensitive interferometric motion sensor. The sensor will measure and control motion between seismically isolated platforms for the next-generation Einstein Telescope using the 10m Prototype Facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Derive requirements for inter-platform motion in the Einstein Telescope using simulation tools and collaborating with working groups.
• Support the development, design, construction, and validation of a prototype inter-platform motion sensor compatible with the Einstein Telescope.
• Supervise students.

Required Skills

• Excellent understanding of optics, interferometry, and mechanics.
• Proficiency in optical laboratories and optical and/or mechanical simulations.
• Very good written and spoken English and strong communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, initiative, and ability to learn new areas of work.
• Experience supervising students.

Who Should Apply

Researchers with a university degree or doctorate in physics, optical engineering, or a comparable field, who possess expertise in optics, interferometry, laboratory work, and simulations, and wish to work on gravitational wave detector instrumentation for the Einstein Telescope.

Benefits

• Professional development and training opportunities through QUEST Leibniz Research School and the Cluster of Excellence QuantumFrontiers.
• Part-time work and remote work may be arranged upon request.
• Family-support services provided by the university.

About the Employer

The Institute for Gravitational Physics at Leibniz University Hannover operates research in an international environment, including joint operation of the 10m Prototype Facility with the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to apply for this position?

The application deadline is 11 October 2026.

What qualifications are required to apply?

Applicants must hold a completed university degree in physics, optical engineering, or a comparable field. A doctorate is preferred.

How do I submit my application?

Applications can be submitted by email to Dr. David Wu ([email protected]) with the subject 'ET-SPI-2026-Postdoc Application' or sent by post to the Institute for Gravitational Physics in Hannover, Germany.

Is remote or part-time work allowed?

Yes, part-time work and remote work may be arranged upon request.

What documents are needed for the application?

You must submit a cover letter, CV, and copies of academic degrees, and arrange for up to two reference letters to be sent directly by your referees.