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. As part of the cluster's experimental program to search for hypothetical very lightweight bosons, for example motivated by dark matter and dark energy in the universe, the construction of the BabylAXO experiment will start shortly. BabylAXO will look for axions and similar particles emitted by the sun in uncharted parameter regions. The doctoral research associate will engage in the start-up phase of BabylAXO and work on the extension of its scientific portfolio.

The successful applicant will be attached to the ALPS group at DESY, which together with international partners is realizing new experimental facilities to search for a new kinds of very lightweight elementary particles, works on new concepts targeting high-frequency gravitational waves and develops related technologies. Doctoral 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. Doctoral researchers may participate in teaching at the University and in the organization of the Cluster via an early career council.