About the opportunity
The Chair of Theoretical Physics IV (Plasma-Astroparticle Physics) in the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy at Ruhr-Universität Bochum operates at the intersection of plasma and particle physics. As part of Collaborative Research Center 1491 (SFB 1491: ‘Cosmic Interacting Matters – From Source to Signal’), the chair is recruiting a doctoral research associate for a 36-month appointment starting February 1, 2027. The successful candidate will conduct research toward a doctoral degree, developing novel methods to analyze active galactic nuclei (AGN). Core responsibilities include developing templates for time-dependent spectral energy distributions of AGN flares across diverse physical processes, numerically advancing the AGNPropa particle interaction and transport code, and training machine learning algorithms to identify AGN flares.
Salary and benefits
- Part-time academic employment (75%, 29.8725 hours per week) on a 36-month fixed-term contract
- Remuneration categorized under the German public sector collective agreement at pay grade TV-L E13
- No teaching obligations if funding is provided exclusively by third-party external funding bodies
- Free German and English language training courses provided for employees
- Collaborative research environment at one of Germany's major universities within the University Alliance Ruhr
Who can apply?
- A very good bachelor's degree in physics or astrophysics
- A master's degree in physics or astrophysics completed by the appointment start date (February 1, 2027)
- Demonstrated experience in the designated research areas, such as through a relevant master's thesis topic
- Proficiency in either German or English, accompanied by a willingness to learn the other language
Required documents
- Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications if applicable
- Cover letter outlining research interests and providing a summary of the master's thesis
- Bachelor's degree certificate and transcript of records
- Master's degree certificate and transcript of records (if already available)
When to apply
- Application deadline: October 26, 2026
- Anticipated position start date: February 1, 2027
How to apply
- Prepare all required application documents in German or English
- Access the official Ruhr-Universität Bochum online job portal via the vacancy announcement
- Submit your complete application referencing job announcement number ANR 6227 before the October 26, 2026 deadline
Additional information
- The place of work is Ruhr-Universität Bochum in Bochum, Germany
- Travel, accommodation, or other expenses incurred for job interviews will not be reimbursed
- Staff council representatives have the statutory right to attend selection interviews; applicants may specifically request their participation via wpr@rub.de
- Women and individuals with disabilities are explicitly encouraged to apply, with preferential consideration given in cases of equal qualification where underrepresented
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…
- Graduating physics or astrophysics master's students with solid computational skills seeking a funded doctoral project in high-energy theoretical astrophysics
- Researchers with prior experience in active galactic nuclei modelling, particle transport codes, or machine learning applications in astrophysics
- Applicants looking for an interdisciplinary research community within a structured German Collaborative Research Center (SFB 1491)
What should you think carefully about?
- The contract is part-time (75% TV-L E13) for a fixed term of 36 months, which is standard for German physics doctorates but leaves limited room for degree delays without contract extensions
- The start date is February 1, 2027, requiring advance planning and graduation by that date, alongside on-site relocation to Bochum, Germany
- Travel and accommodation costs for selection interviews will not be reimbursed by the university
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position offers an ideal pathway for an aspiring astrophysicist seeking a structured, fully funded doctoral qualification. Working at the boundary of plasma physics, numerical astrophysics, and machine learning equips doctoral researchers with transferable algorithmic and computational expertise, positioning them well for future academic postdocs or data-intensive roles in industry.
Our take
Early-career physicists with a strong foundation in astrophysics or computational modeling who want to complete a PhD within a prominent research consortium should apply. It is less suitable for researchers seeking full-time staff employment, immediate postdocs, or purely observational astronomy roles.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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