About the opportunity
The Chair of Experimental Physics I (Hadron Physics) at Ruhr-Universität Bochum is offering a three-year doctoral position embedded in two international research programs: DEMOS (developing federated standards for re-evaluating physics models) and HADRON 2030 (investigating heavy hadrons at thresholds through the ExHAT project). The doctoral researcher will join the LHCb group to analyze exotic hadrons, focusing prominently on the doubly charmed tetraquark Tcc(3875)+. Key work includes applying advanced data selection methods to LHCb data, constructing and fitting coupled-channel scattering amplitudes, serializing complex models in the DEMOS format, and collaborating closely with experimental collaborations (such as LHCb, BESIII, Belle II, and GlueX) and theoretical EFT and lattice QCD groups.
Salary and benefits
- Salaried fixed-term employment for 3 years based on German public sector pay grade TV-L E13 (66% part-time, 26.2878 hours/week)
- No teaching obligations if funded through third-party research funds
- Dedicated funding for travel to collaboration meetings, workshops, schools, and international conferences
- Participation in an integrated doctoral training program
- Structured onboarding and integration within the University Alliance Ruhr
- Free German language courses through the University Language Center (ZFA)
- Access to university sports offerings covering approximately 100 disciplines and the campus gym
Who can apply?
- Master's degree or equivalent in physics completed by the employment start date
- Background in experimental particle physics or hadron physics
- Solid familiarity with quantum field theory and scattering theory
- Demonstrated scientific programming proficiency in Julia, Python, or C++
- Experience with version control and reproducible computational workflows
- Very good command of written and spoken English
- Working proficiency in either English or German and a willingness to learn the other
- Strong interest in working at the interface of experimental and theoretical physics and in reusable open-science software
Required documents
- Cover letter referencing job vacancy number ANR 6241
- Tabular curriculum vitae
- Relevant degree certificates and academic transcripts
When to apply
- Application deadline: November 15, 2026
- Intended start date: At the earliest possible date
How to apply
- Submit an application via the official Ruhr-Universität Bochum online job portal before the closing deadline
- Ensure that job reference code ANR 6241 is clearly stated in the application materials
- Optional: Request participation of the Staff Council (wpr@rub.de) in the selection interview procedure if desired
Additional information
- The position is based on-site in Bochum, Germany
- Ruhr-Universität Bochum actively encourages applications from women and offers preferential hiring in underrepresented areas when qualifications are equivalent
- Applications from individuals with disabilities are explicitly welcomed
- Costs incurred during the application process (travel, lodging, or loss of earnings) are non-reimbursable
- Informal inquiries may be directed to Prof. Dr. Mikhail Mikhasenko (+49 234 32 12275) or Daniela Klobes (+49 234 32 23561)
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Physics graduates with strong programming skills in Python, Julia, or C++ who want to bridge experimental LHCb data analysis with theoretical amplitude modeling
- Researchers eager to contribute to reproducible open science and data serialization standards within the DEMOS and HADRON 2030 consortia
- Candidates looking for a structured doctoral environment with no compulsory teaching duties and dedicated travel funding for international schools and conferences
What should you think carefully about?
- The appointment is contracted at 66% part-time (26.2878 hours per week), which is standard for German physics doctorates under TV-L E13 but limits total gross earnings compared to full-time roles
- On-site presence in Bochum, Germany, is required, and interview travel expenses are not reimbursed by the university
- The initial contract duration is fixed at three years, requiring focused project management to finish dissertation milestones within the funding period
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This doctoral position is an excellent stepping stone for physics graduates seeking specialized expertise in high-energy physics, hadron spectroscopy, and scientific software engineering. Working at the boundary of large-scale collaborations like LHCb and theoretical groups provides high-visibility networking and concrete training in reproducible computational methods, preparing candidates effectively for subsequent postdoctoral research or high-performance scientific computing roles.
Our take
Aspiring particle or hadron physicists with solid theoretical grounding and coding proficiency should strongly consider applying. Those seeking a fully remote role, full-time industry remuneration, or a doctorate focused purely on theoretical physics without experimental data analysis will find this position less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
