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Author: Marcus Mohring

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Balzan Conference on Open Issues in Gravitation, March 24-26, 2026 at IHES

The Balzan Conference on Open Issues in Gravitation is part of the research project carried out at IHES with the 2021 Balzan Prize for Gravitation: Physical and Astrophysical Aspects, awarded to T. Damour.

Though gravity is the oldest investigated interaction both observationally and theoretically, it remains mysterious and challenging in many aspects.
This three-day conference will bring together leading experts in a wide range of topics related to gravitation. Besides offering an overview of the status of the field, the talks will address open issues in gravitation that are currently the focus of intense research, such as: gravitational waves, tests of General Relativity, numerical relativity, self-force, new approaches to Black Hole perturbations, extreme black holes, BMS, post-Minkowskian gravity, scattering amplitudes, high-energy scattering, effective field theory, etc.

The talks will be videotaped, thereby completing the collection of Balzan Lectures at IHES (available on carmin.tv)

Organizing Committee:

Thibault Damour (IHES), Alessandro Nagar (INFN, Torino), Julio Parra Martinez (IHES)

Invited speakers:

  • Simone Albanesi (Friedrich-Schiller University Jena)
  • Zvi Bern (UCLA)
  • Donato Bini (IAC, CNR, Rome)
  • Marie-Anne Bizouard (ARTEMIS, Nice)
  • Alessandra Buonanno (Max-Planck Institute, Potsdam)
  • Manuela Campanelli (Rochester Inst. Tech.) – REMOTE
  • Alba Grassi (Université de Genève & CERN)
  • Marc Henneaux (International Solvay Institutes & Collège de France)
  • Gustav U. Jakobsen (Humbolt U., Berlin & Max Planck Inst., Potsdam)
  • Carlos Lousto (Rochester Inst. Tech.)
  • Simon Maenaut (Niels Bohr Institute, Copenhagen)
  • Pierpaolo Mastrolia (INFN Padova)
  • Keefe Mitman (Cornell University)
  • Ugo Moschella (Insubria U., Como & INFN, Milano)
  • Alessandro Nagar (INFN, Torino)
  • Julio Parra-Martinez (IHES)
  • Harvey Reall (University of Cambridge)
  • Jorge Santos (University of Cambridge) – REMOTE
  • Chiara Toldo (Université Libre de Bruxelles)
  • Filippo Vernizzi (IPhT, Saclay)
  • Niels Warburton (University College, Dublin)

Conference Website

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Vacuum Lead, LIGO Hanford Observatory

LIGO Laboratory (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) seeks a highly motivated and skilled LHO Vacuum Equipment Group Leader to join its team.  

This position is an in-person role, located in Hanford, Washington.

LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing the newly discovered gravitational-wave universe. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world-leading observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. The LIGO Laboratory’s mission spans a broad and vibrant array of activities related to gravitational-wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements, gravitational-wave astrophysics, observatory operations, and education and public outreach.

For more information, please visit the Laboratory website: www.ligo.caltech.edu

Job Summary

LIGO comprises two widely separated antennae for astrophysical gravitational wave research. Each detector operates within a 10 million-liter ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) system, the largest in existence. These each include 8 km of 1.2m-diameter beam tube, interconnecting thirteen 3m-diameter vessels that house the detector apparatus. LIGO detectors operate in the 1e-9 Torr pressure range, relying on a combination of cryogenic, turbomolecular, ion and getter pump technologies, combined with stringent material and operating protocols. The observatory sites are supported by science and engineering research facilities at MIT in Cambridge, MA and at Caltech in Pasadena, CA.

As a senior member of the core Hanford Observatory Operations staff, the selectee will supervise and lead the group tasked with optimizing, maintaining and improving the site vacuum system and its supporting infrastructure.

This is an Essential Reporting position. In the event of an emergency on campus, an employee designated as essential reporting has essential job skills that are needed for response and recovery and is expected to report to Campus as soon as possible.

Essential Job Duties

  • Maintain the Observatory vacuum system and support facilities; initiate, plan and execute changes to this system; monitor system performance.
  • Plan and oversee equipment procurement and repairs, including budget development, preparing specifications, competitive procurement, contractor selection, contract monitoring, and quality assurance.
  • Collaborate with research scientists and engineers to optimize UHV performance of in-vacuo scientific apparatus, and to minimize risks of contamination.
  • Collaborate in research into UHV techniques, system design, and potential future vacuum upgrades. Contribute to vacuum R&D for next-generation gravitational wave detectors at the Cosmic Explorer Beamtubed Experiment, a new research facility under construction at LIGO Hanford that will test UHV beam tubes and other components for the upcoming Cosmic Explorer gravitational wave detector.
  • Establish and maintain procedures to ensure that vacuum equipment is monitored, protected and maintained.
  • Serve as a standing member of the LIGO Laboratory’s Vacuum Review Board (with periodic rotations as Chair).
  • Serve as a consulting member on Design Review, Technical Review or other Laboratory committees and panels as may be required.
  • Support and/or manage competitive procurements (i.e. materials and equipment, vendor and/or contractor selection, contract development, acquisition planning, etc.)
  • Initiate or collaborate in writing research papers and technical presentations.
  • Develop and oversee UHV material preparation and test facilities, such as cleaning plants, bake ovens and test chambers, which prepare and qualify scientific components for installation in UHV systems.
  • Collaborate with other discipline leads on scheduling.
  • Serve as a line supervisor for members of the Hanford vacuum group and potentially others who work in related functions.
  • Perform other duties as may be required and assigned.

Basic Qualifications

  • BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical or Systems Engineering; Physics; Material Science; or a related scientific or engineering field, or 10 years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
  • 8 or more years of vacuum-related engineering or scientific research work experience.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in operation, analysis, and performance characterization of high- or ultra-high vacuum systems.
  • Knowledge and experience in selection and application of UHV-compatible materials.
  • Hands-on experience in precision leak-hunting.
  • Proficiency in application and interpretation of spectra from residual gas analyzers.
  • Experience in application of helium mass‐spectrometer leak detection (MSLD) apparatus.
  • Demonstrated people-management experience and mentoring skills.
  • Effective English‐language written and verbal communication skills and habits.
  • Level-headed professionalism and excellent interpersonal and team skills.
  • Ability to lift at least 20 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience related to industrial automation as applied to large-scale vacuum systems.
  • Hands-on experience and skill in building, improving and maintaining high- or ultra- high vacuum systems.
  • Experience related to fluid, cryogen, pressure, flow rate, and gas sensors and instrumentation.
  • Experience operating or maintaining large research, university, national laboratory or industrial facilities.
  • Computer-aided design (CAD) proficiency (SolidWorks™ preferred).

Required Documents

  • Cover letter summarizing your interest in LIGO Lab and relevant experience.
  • Resume.

Pease find here full details.

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LIGO Science Education Center Program Leader in Livingston

LIGO Laboratory (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) seeks a highly motivated and skilled LIGO Science Education Center Program Leader to join its education and public outreach team.  

This position is located in Livingston, LA and is an in-person role.

LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing the newly discovered gravitational-wave universe. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world-leading observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. The LIGO Laboratory’s mission spans a broad and vibrant array of activities related to gravitational-wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements, gravitational-wave astrophysics, observatory operations, and education and public outreach.

The LIGO Science Education Center (LIGO SEC) is collocated with the LIGO observatory in Livingston, Louisiana. We use an exhibit hall, classroom, and other facilities to provide visiting students, teachers, and members of the public a hybrid program that includes exhibit-based free exploration and science-standards-based facilitated sessions, together with interactions with the staff at an active leading-edge observatory.

We use a multi-pronged approach to serve regional K–12 education, consisting of formal teacher professional development in the physical sciences, primarily during the summer; informal field trips for students of those teachers; and undergraduate docents trained in outreach methods who informally interact with the students and teachers during the academic year.

Our informal-science educators communicate the science of gravitational waves utilizing standard K-12 physical science concepts, as part of our mission to inspire a sense of wonder, to engage curiosity and to encourage the future STEM workforce. In order to accomplish our objectives, we partner with a variety of institutions including San Francisco’s Exploratorium and Southern University.

For more information, please visit the Laboratory website at www.ligo.caltech.edu/LA

Essential Job Duties

Reporting to the observatory head, the LIGO Science Education Center program leader actively leads LIGO Livingston’s education and public outreach team to fulfill the center’s mission to inspire a sense of wonder, engage curiosity and encourage the future Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) workforce.

Duties of this position:

  • Lead and supervise the LIGO SEC staff, normally two additional full-time Caltech educators
  • Develop, plan, lead and execute LIGO SEC programs, including K–12 field trips, teacher professional development, and public events.
  • Manage, develop and seek to improve the Science Education Center’s exhibits and other educational offerings.
  • Represent LIGO Livingston with existing program partners and allied organizations. Manage existing partnership activities and cultivate new ones.
  • Represent LIGO Livingston in national and international collaborations, such as the LIGO Scientific Collaboration’s EPO working group.
  • Lead LIGO Livingston’s aspect of the LIGO Laboratory’s strategic planning of and execution of joint EPO programs.
  • Manage LIGO Livingston’s role in an existing NSF-funded SEC partnership collaborative grant, including budget and staff planning, record-keeping, coordination with sub-awardees, and communication with the funding agency.
  • Contribute to the LIGO Laboratory’s reporting and communications with the NSF about its main cooperative agreement.
  • Coordinate and oversee interactions with external media at LLO.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a scientific or engineering field, or in education. Six years of equivalent professional experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • 8 or more years of experience working as a formal or informal science educator, program leader, or evaluator, including experience gained as part of a relevant degree program.
  • Knowledge of informal science education principles and practice.
  • Knowledge of, and experience implementing, the Next-Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for K–12 education.
  • Knowledge and experience in the evaluation of program efficacy, quantitatively, qualitatively, or using mixed methods.
  • Experience managing science education staff involved in either formal or informal programs.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with one or more of the following preferred qualifications are particularly encouraged to apply:

  • Masters or Doctorate in a STEM field or education.
  • Experience in community partnership or collaboration building.
  • Experience teaching, mentoring or leading groups of young people, including the K–12 range.
  • Experience working in a museum setting, especially one specializing in STEM topics.
  • Experience working in a university or other large research laboratory setting.
  • Research experience or coursework in physics, optics or astronomy.
  • Experience obtaining and administrating federal, state or private grants.
  • Hands-on experience designing, building, and maintaining physical-science exhibits; or hands-on experience with science or engineering instruments generally.
  • Extensive understanding or experience using both informal and formal science education methods.
  • Experience working with educational communities similar to those in south Louisiana where LIGO Livingston operates its observatory.

Required Documents

  • Cover letter summarizing your relevant experience and expressing clearly your specific interest in working at LIGO Livingston Observatory.
  • Resume

Please find here full details.

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Gravity & Cosmology: Searching for Concordance – 6th EPS Conference on Gravitation, June 1-3, 2026 in Stavanger

Gravity impacts all stages of the evolution of the universe, but the precise role of fundamental gravity in modeling cosmology remains to be understood. Current cosmological tensions may be related to an incomplete or oversimplified treatment of gravity and spacetime in the ΛCDM model, and highlight the need for quantifying the influence of initial conditions, local effects of gravity and backreaction beyond a perturbative analysis on FLRW backgrounds.

Recent advances in numerical and analytical methods and a wealth of astrophysical precision data allow for new, systematic studies of the interplay of matter, geometry and inflationary expansion, and open new pathways for a model-independent analysis. Research that exploits the interwovenness of gravity and cosmology includes the proposed use of gravitational wave observations to elucidate the extreme physics of the early universe, and of cosmological probes to constrain modified gravity theories. The big underlying challenge – besides unraveling the complexities of the history of our universe and the nature of its initial big-bang singularity – is to come up with clear evidence for new (quantum) physics beyond general relativity and the standard model of particle physics.

Gravity & Cosmology: Searching for Concordance brings together researchers working on different aspects of the cosmology-gravity interface, who may not necessarily meet at more specialized, subcommunity-oriented events, to exchange views on what are the most feasible and promising ways forward and explore how they relate to each other. Our keynote speakers are leading experts on numerical and mathematical relativity, modified gravity, quantum cosmology, cosmography, gravitational wave cosmology, cosmological tensions, backreaction and phase transitions, and on foundational aspects. We aim for an interactive meeting and for constructive and respectful dialogue, including organized discussions on future challenges and opportunities. We invite the submission of abstracts for contributed talks and posters and encourage especially junior researcher to participate.

Confirmed Invited Speakers

  • Martin Bojowald (Penn State)
  • Chris Clarkson (Queen Mary)
  • Ed Copeland (Nottingham)
  • Eleonora Di Valentino (Sheffield)
  • Ruth Durrer (Geneva)
  • Grigorios Fournodavlos (Crete)
  • Mark Hindmarsh (Helsinki)
  • Alexander Kamenshchik (Bologna)
  • Sofie Marie Koksbang (Odense)
  • Marek Lewicki (Warsaw)
  • Eugene Lim (King’s College)
  • David Mota (Oslo)
  • Nataliya Porayko (Bonn) – tbc
  • Zoe Wyatt (Cambridge)

Location and Venue

The location of the conference is in Stavanger, located on the coast in south-western part of Norway. Western part of Norway is famous for its spectacular fjords, and the Stavanger region is particularly known for its Pulpit Rock situated at the Lysefjord, see conference picture.

Stavanger has coastal climate being a result of being by the relatively temperate North Sea. The city typically experience mild winters and cool summers, and the average day temperature in June is around 15ºC.

The venue for the conference is at the University of Stavanger (UiS), campus Ullandhaug, which is just a couple of kilometers from the city centre, and 7km from Stavanger Airport. There are direct flights to Stavanger from several European cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, London, Frankfurt and Helsinki.

Conference Website

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CoCoNuT Meeting 2026, September 8-11, at University of Southampton

The CoCoNuT Meeting is a series of workshops aimed at fostering collaboration among relativistic astrophysics groups, especially within Europe. The series has been taking place yearly since 2009, and this edition will be hosted at the University of Southampton (United Kingdom).

This edition will focus on Magnetohydrodynamics, particularly in the context of core-collapse supernovae, neutron star mergers, and magnetars. The different topics will be introduced by the invited speakers, followed by contributed talks.

There will also be a day-0 Workshop on the 8th of September about machine learning applications in numerical relativity, jointly organised with members of the CPP-UKNR community. During registration, please mention if you want to attend only the workshop or the CoCoNuT meeting, or both.

The meeting will take place at the Mathematical Sciences Student Centre (Building 56) of the University of Southampton.

Meeting Website

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TeV Particle Astrophysics 2026, August 30 to September 4, 2026 in Tendo, Japan

We are pleased to invite you to attend the TeV Particle Astrophysics Conference (TeVPA 2026), which will take place from August 30 to September 4, 2026, in Tendo, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan.

The conference will bring together researchers working across astroparticle physics, astrophysics, cosmology, and particle physics. TeVPA 2026 aims to provide a broad forum for discussing recent results, ongoing developments, and future directions in the field.

Important Dates

  • Registration and abstract submission open: February 18 (Wed), 2026
  • Abstract submission deadline: April 20 (Mon), 2026
  • Early-bird and student discount registration deadline: June 15 (Mon), 2026
  • Registration deadline: July 13 (Mon), 2026
  • Pre-conference workshop: August 30 (Sun), 2026
  • Conference: August 31 (Mon) – September 4 (Fri), 2026
    All deadlines are at 14:00 JST (Japan Standard Time, UTC+9; no daylight saving time).

Scientific Topics

  • Cosmic rays
  • Cosmology
  • Dark matter
  • Extragalactic sources
  • Galactic sources
  • Gamma-ray and neutrino astronomy
  • Gravitational waves and multimessenger astrophysics
  • Particle physics

Conference Website

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5th MaNiTou Summer School on Gravitational Waves, June 29 to July 4, 2026, Campus Valrose

The school is collaboratively organized by scientific communities involved in Gravitational Waves, from 3 French locations in Southern France, namely Marseille, Nice and Toulouse, thus the MaNiTou name for the school.

The school will take place in Nice this year, on the beautiful Valrose Campus of Université Côte d'Azur (see here). It will be held in English.

Goals of the school

The school will cover the emerging field of gravitational wave detection and of its scientific exploitation. Following their discovery by the LIGO/Virgo collaboration, many other gravitational wave detections are expected at the existing and future gravitational antennas. They will open up a new window of exploration, sometimes unique and sometimes complementary to what other messengers such as electromagnetic radiation (radio, IR, visible, UV, X-rays, gamma rays) and neutrinos can reveal of the physics at work in our Universe. The objective of the school is to provide the students with a solid introduction to most aspects of this interdisciplinary field in accelerated expansion 🙂

The school is open in priority to Master and PhD students, and also to young or not so young scientists who would like to get better acquainted with Gravitational Waves.

For attendees to fully benefit from the school program, it is highly recommended that they have had at least an introductory exposure to General Relativity before. We also strongly suggest that prior to attending the school, the participants read some of the references that can be found here.
School organization

In order to make the School efficient for the attendees in terms of knowledge transfer and training interaction with the scientists in charge of the different activities of the school, the attendance is limited to about 70 participants, not including organizers and teachers. If more than 70 people apply to the School, a selection will be applied based on the criteria outlined on the registration page.

The School has no online attendance option. All participants are expected to attend in-person.

No fee is required to attend the School.

The School will provide coffee breaks and lunches to all participants. Dinners, travel and accommodation expenses are not covered.

However, accommodation free of charge will be provided by the CROUS at Valrose Campus for up to 50 master and PhD students who request it in the registration form. For more information about this opportunity and the selection, please see the accommodation section on this webpage.

Moreover, since the school is labelled by CNRS as “Ecole Thématique”, the expenses to attend the school for CNRS employees (staff CNRS people and people with a CNRS term contract [PhD student, Postdoc,…]) will also be covered. Please do not forget to mention in the registration form if that case applies to you!
Poster sessions

Posters sessions will be organized during the school so that the attendees can display posters describing their research work and results and discuss them with the other school participants.
Apply to the school

To apply, please go to the Registration (Inscription) tab or directly follow the link here

Pre-registration will be open from February 20th to April 10th.
The pre-registered candidates will be informed of the result of the selection process during the first week of May.

School Website

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PhD position in Theoretical Physics at University of Murcia

We expect to open one funded PhD position in theoretical physics at the University of Murcia (Spain). Application deadline: April 15 2026.

We expect to open one funded PhD position in theoretical physics at the University of Murcia (Spain).
We are seeking students interested in gravitational physics, with research topics including black holes, gravitational waves, and modifications of General Relativity. The position is funded for four years, in accordance with the Spanish Law of Science. The expected start date is September 1st 2026.
The successful candidate will join the research group of Prof. Pablo A. Cano within the ERC-funded project “EFTGrav”. The project aims to characterize the gravitational-wave signatures of beyond-GR theories in black hole binaries.

Applicants should send directly to pablocano(at)um.es the following documents: a CV, academic transcripts, a brief statement of research interests, and the contact details for two referees who could provide reference letters.

Important condition: candidates must hold a Master’s degree or expect to obtain it before the start date.

Please find here full details.

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PhD positions in the field of Gravitational-Waves Theory and Numerical Relativity in Jena

The Institute of Theoretical Physics at the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy has a vacancy for two
PhD positions in the field of
gravitational-waves and numerical relativity (theory)
commencing on August, 1. 2026
We offer a part-time position (50%, 20 hours per week)
The Gravitational-wave and Numerical relativity Working Group investigates questions relating to gravitational waves from compact binaries, relativistic and multimessenger astrophysics, and numerical methods for Einstein equations and relativistic fluids.

Your responsibilities:

  • Working on your own scientific qualification project (doctorate)
  • Conducting research projects in the field of gravitational theory with reference to gravitational-wave modeling, relativistic astrophysics and numerical relativity
  • Co-supervising bachelor’s and master’s students
  • Teaching in bachelor’s and master’s programs to the extent of 2 LVS

Your profile:

  • A completed master’s degree in physics with a thesis in theoretical physics and/or computational physics
  • We require in-depth knowledge of theoretical physics; knowledge of relativity theory is essential; Previous experience in the areas of gravitational-wave theory/modeling, multi-messenger astrophysics with compact objects, and/or astrophysical computer simulations is desirable
  • Ability to work independently and organizational skills

We offer:

  • Interesting work at an international level and participation in international conferences
  • A graduate academy for doctoral students
  • Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale E13 50%, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement
  • 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31An exciting/varied/interesting field of employment / Autonomous work at one of the largest employers in Thuringia / An exciting and varied scope of activities with creative freedom
  • A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families: University Family Office ‘JUniFamilie’ and flexible childcare (‘JUniKinder)

The position is a fixed-term position initially limited for three years; an extension is possible.

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by May 1st, 2026 using our online form.

Please find here full details.

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Research assistant in Gravitational-Wave Theory and Numerical Relativity in Jena

The Faculty of Physics and Astronomy/The Institute of Theoretical Physics seeks to fill the position of a Research assistant in the field of gravitational-wave and numerical relativity (theory)
commencing on 01. October 2026
We offer a full-time position (40 hours per week).
As our new ‘research assistant you will investigates questions relating to gravitational waves from compact binaries, relativistic and multimessenger astrophysics, and numerical methods for Einstein equations and relativistic fluids.

Your responsibilities:

  • Conducting research projects in the field of gravitational theory with reference to gravitational-wave modelling, relativistic astrophysics and numerical relativity
  • Develop, coordinate, manage and publish research projects within the indicated field, including high-performance computing
  • Co-supervising bachelor’s and master’s students
  • Teaching in bachelor’s and master’s programs to the extent of 4 LVS

Your profile:

  • An excellent PhD degree in physics with focus in gravitation theory, gravitational waves, numerical relativity and/or computational astrophysics
  • Proven experience and track record in the areas of gravitational-wave theory/modeling, multi-messenger astrophysics with compact objects, and/or astrophysical computer simulations is desirable.
  • Ability to work independently and organizational skills

We offer:

  • Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale E13 full-time — precise salary scale depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement
  • 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31
  • An exciting, varied and interesting field of employment. Autonomous work at one of the largest employers in Thuringia
  • A graduate academy for doctoral students
  • A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families: University Family Office ‘JUniFamilie’ and flexible childcare (‘JuniKinder)

The position is a fixed-term position initially limited for two years; an extension is possible up to five years.

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by June 1, 2026 using our online form.

Please find here full details.