Research Assistant (m/f/x) in Observational Cosmology
Faculty of Physics and Astronomy : Observational Cosmology In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) from October 1, 2026, we are looking for a Research Assistant (m/f/x) in Observational Cosmology Chair of Observational Cosmology The main field of research of the chair is the weak gravitational lensing effect that is used to make dark matter structures visible. By analysing large imaging surveys of the sky we study the evolution of the Universe on the largest scales and gain unique insights into cosmological physics. The Chair of "Observational Cosmology" of Prof. Hendrik Hildebrandt has a vacancy for a full-time research assistant (39.83 hours/week) from October 1, 2026. The position is initially limited until September 30, 2027. Scope: full-time Duration: fixed-term, 12 months Start: from October 1, 2026 Apply by: 2026-08-11
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees. German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/daf/mitarbeitende/index.html.en The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact [email protected]. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Your tasks:
- Active participation in conducting the Euclid DR1 cosmological analyses
- Develop a framework to combine traditional probes of cosmological large-scale structure with fast radio bursts (FRBs)
- Teaching in the phyics bachelor's/master's programmes.
Your profile:
- Completed doctorate in the field of astronomy/astrophysics.
- Experience with optical and infrared sky surveys in extragalactic astronomy, ideally the Euclid space mission.
- In-depth knowledge of the weak gravitational lensing effect and galaxy clustering.
- Track record in estimating covariances for cosmological observables.
- Background in FRB science, with a focus on cosmological applications.
- Postdoctoral experience in observational cosmology
We offer:
- Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence
- Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr
- Options for flexible working (mobile working and teleworking)
- A job in the heart of the lively Ruhr metropolitan region with its diverse cultural offerings
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L. Further information can be found at https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/ (in German). The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum. The load of teaching will be calculated according to § 3 of Lehrverpflichtungsverordnung (state of North Rhine-Westphalia). We expect to receive a well-prepared application.
