Fachbereich 11 - Physik Institute for Nuclear Physics Doctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in, salary level E 13 TV-L) 28.02.2026

at the earliest possible date. We are offering a fixed-term part-time position (67%) for 3 years. Full-time employees are required to teach 4 hours per week during the semester.

Your tasks:

Become part of the ErUM-SESAM project and work on Newtonian noise in underground gravitational wave detectors such as the Einstein Telescope (ET), a planned third-generation gravitational wave detector and European flagship project:

• This position is tied to working towards a doctorate;
• Active participation in the simulation and modelling of Newtonian noise for underground gravitational wave detectors such as the Einstein Telescope;
• Performing numerical simulations of seismic wave propagation and Newtonian noise using tools such as SPECFEM3D and COMSOL Multiphysics;
• Development and testing of simplified and complex cavern geometries (e.g., spherical, cubic, realistic underground structures) to investigate the dependence of Newtonian noise on structure and mirror position;
• Investigating the possibility of integrating machine learning methods, including physics-informed neural networks (PINNs), to accelerate simulations and optimize underground configurations;
• Preparation of reports, presentations, and scientific publications of research results in journals and at conferences;
• Participation in teaching and supervision of students (bachelor's and master's theses) in related research topics

Our expectations:

• A completed university degree (master's or equivalent) in physics, geophysics, or a related field;
• Experience in numerical simulations (e.g., wave propagation, finite element modeling, or comparable computer-aided methods);
• Good programming skills in Python and/or C/C++;
• Good written and spoken English skills for collaboration in an international research team;
• Knowledge in the field of machine learning, in particular physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) or related AI-based modelling approaches, is an advantage;
• A high degree of motivation, initiative, and scientific curiosity, as well as the ability to work both independently and in an interdisciplinary team;
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Advantages for you:

• Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – values which are important to us.
• If you have family members or young children in your care, our Family Service Office offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities.
• As an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering occupational training and continuing education opportunities tailored to your individual needs.
• As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme ( VBL ), an annual end-of-year bonus and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations.

The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity . We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions.

We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Waleed Esmail (+49 (0) 251 8334947 / [email protected] ) or Prof. Dr. Alexander Kappes ((+49 (0) 251 8334996 / [email protected] ). Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 28 February 2026 at: Universität Münster
Institut für Kernphysik
Prof. Dr. Alexander Kappes
Wilhelm-Klemm-Str. 9
48149 Münster You may also send us your application electronically in PDF format to [email protected] .
Please note that we cannot consider other file formats.
Reference number: 2026_02_06