PhD positions in the Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe - possible topics
A list of possible PhD topics can be found on this website. For positions located at Universität Hamburg (see column “location of position”), please use the online application here. For positions located at DESY, please apply here. Please indicate which topic(s) interests you by entering the corresponding code(s) in the online application. If you want to apply for topics located at Universität Hamburg and topics located at DESY, you need to submit two applications (one to each institution). You can also propose a topic yourself (by attaching a research statement, see section on application documents below).
Experimental physics and observational astrophysics
| Code | Title | Explanation, location of position, supervisor(s) |
|
EXP1 |
Various topics in astroparticle physics |
Gamma-ray observations: We are investigating the high-energy universe using gamma-ray telescopes such as CTA, H.E.S.S., TAIGA, and Fermi-LAT. WISP/ultra-light dark matter searches: Gamma-ray spectra of distant active galactic nuclei and Galactic pulars present unexpected features, which could relate to photons mixing with light (neV–meV) pseudo-scalars in intervening magnetized plasma. We are developing and constructing new laboratory experiments to search for pseudo-scalars. Universität Hamburg |
|
EXP2 |
DiHiggs production with the CMS experiment and prospects at FCC-hh |
The project is a study of DiHiggs production in the bb tautau channel with the CMS Run 2 data and first Run 3 data. Machine learning techniques will be needed to enhance the sensitivity. Prospects for such a process at a future hadron collider FCC-hh should be studied as well. Universität Hamburg |
|
EXP3 |
Dark matter signal in radio astronomical surveys |
Position bridging (astro)particle physics with radio astronomy and machine learning. The project aims to detect synchrotron emission from dark matter annihilation in dark matter dominated systems (dwarf galaxies and galaxy clusters). This will set the most stringent constraints on light WIMP masses. Universität Hamburg |
|
EXP4 |
Demonstrating an approach for gravitational-wave observatories with cosmological reach |
This PhD position will experimentally demonstrate a new idea to mitigate quantum radiation pressure noise in laser interferometers. Our new concept will entangle and reduce quantum noise in future gravitational-wave (GW) observatories at sub-audio frequencies improving their sensitivities towards cosmological reach. Universität Hamburg |
|
EXP5 |
Searching for new physics at LHC with novel jet substructure algorithms |
New physics beyond the Standard Model, such as potential substructure within the Higgs boson, is at reach with the LHC and HL-LHC. This project combines development of new reconstruction techniques for substructure of heavy bosons at HL-LHC using modern computing, and analysis of LHC data to search for new physics. Universität Hamburg |
|
EXP6 |
Gravitational wave detector control with FPGAs & optical inertial sensors |
To improve the critical low-frequency sensitivity of ground-based gravitational wave detectors we develop novel inertial sensors. In this project we explore signal processing and machine learning algorithms that combine sensor readout, feedback and feed-forward control in experiments for the Einstein Telescope. Universität Hamburg |
|
EXP7 |
Various topics in collider physics at CMS |
Experimental particle physics with CMS at LHC. Possible topics: studies and searches using jet substructure, searches for di-Higgs events and/or new phenomena in the Higgs sector, usage of artificial intelligence in particle physics or online electronics, restart of CMS in 2021, exploitation of LHC-run-2 (run-3), longer stays at CERN possible. Universität Hamburg |
|
EXP8 |
Higgs boson property measurements using higgs decays to two photons |
This PhD project will use data recorded by the ATLAS experiment during the LHC Run2 and Run3 for Higgs boson property measurements in the Higgs decay final state with two photons, which can be reconstructed with high efficiency. Universität Hamburg |
|
EXP9 |
Unsupervised Deep Learning Tools for the Discovery of Tomorrow |
Explanation: Deep learning transforms data analysis in particle physics and great progress has already been made for supervised problems like particle tagging. You will develop brand-new techniques based on unsupervised learning - anomaly detection for new physics, generative models, inversion, and more! - and apply them to experimental data (e.g. the CMS detector). Universität Hamburg |
|
EXP10 / TH10 |
Modelling of plasma lenses and capturing of positrons |
This position is at the interface between highly topical physics research and state-of-the art modern accelerator physics. The generation of positrons is a great challenge for all future collider concepts. Focus of this PhD is the simulation, the modelling and the construction of plasma lenses for optimizing the positron capture at future collider concepts. Specific aspects of plasma lenses of this thesis have direct impact on current experiments at FLASHForward. Universität Hamburg |
|
EXP11 |
Learning under real-world conditions: Finding rare astronomical transients in sparse data |
Modern astronomical instruments produce enormous volumes of heterogenous, real-time data, and machine learning techniques are increasingly required to detect rare objects. A particularly interesting example is kilonovae, faint explosions caused by the merger of neutron stars, that are also sources of gravitational waves. This project aims to develop flexible ML models that can operate on combinations of unevenly sampled time series as provided by ZTF and other observatories, and deploy them on the AMPEL online analysis platform. Universität Hamburg Prof. Dr. Marek Kowalski, Prof. Dr. Jochen Liske (Important: the person working on this topic will be located in Zeuthen, near Berlin) |
|
EXP12 |
Higgs boson combined measurements and interpretations using ATLAS data |
For many Higgs boson properties, the most precise measurements can be achieved through the statistical combination of measurements in all accessible Higgs production modes and decay channels. The suggested PhD project will include performing such combinations based on the best available individual measurements and confront the results with the predictions of different models, both the Standard Model of particle physics and beyond. Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY (Hamburg) |
|
EXP13 / TH13 |
Higgs-boson self-interactions at future colliders |
The self-coupling of the detected Higgs boson provides access to the structure of the Higgs potential, which is crucial for an understanding of the mechanism that provides mass to elementary particles and of phase transitions in the early Universe. Experimentally, this important quantity is extremely difficult to access, and the prospects sensitively depend on the underlying physics that is realised in nature. The goal of this project is to develop a strategy for determining the Higgs self-interaction in an experimentally and theoretically robust way at present and future colliders. Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY (Hamburg) |
|
EXP14 |
AI assisted fast pattern recognition for future colliders |
The position will explore novel methods in the fields of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for real-time pattern recognition, feature extraction and anomaly detection at future colliders. Such methods will be crucial to fully exploit the physics and discovery potential of these experiments. Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY (Hamburg) |
|
EXP15 |
The role of the dark matter halo in a galaxy's life |
Many properties of galaxies are known to correlate with their environment. This project will focus on the role of the dark matter halo in determining the characteristics of a galaxy, in particular its star formation rate and history, as well as its nuclear activity. The project will be based on data provided by the latest generation of spectroscopic and multi-wavelength imaging surveys. Universität Hamburg |
|
EXP16 |
Search for Dark Matter with Attribute Machine Learning at the LHC |
This experimental particle physics data analysis studies phenomenological models involving exotic heavy Higgs bosons yielding a possible astroparticle physics explanation for the FERMI gamma ray Galactic Centre Excess. Attribute learning combined with multi-task machine learning techniques will be exploited. Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY (Hamburg) |
Theoretical physics and astrophysics
| Code | Title |
Explanantion, location of position, supervisor(s) |
| TH1 | Constraints of primordial magnetic fields during recombination |
During cosmic recombination the medium becomes not only transparent to photons but also tubulent if primordial magnetic fields (PMF) are present. Those primordial magnetic fields could excite strong density perturbations which could leave an imprint in the CMBR or on structure formation. Hence such scenarios can be used to contrain putative primordial magnetic fields. We will use state-of-the-art numerical simulations to study such PMFs. Universität Hamburg |
| TH2 |
Higgs Boson Production in Association with Top Quarks at NNLO in QCD |
The process ttH is directly sensitive to the Higgs-top-Yukawa coupling, but the last of the important production channels at the LHC, where the important NNLO QCD corrections are missing. The project will advance the available precision for the ttH process by one order beyond the current state-of-the-art. Universität Hamburg |
| TH3 | Observational signatures of plasma instabilities and primordial magnetic fields in astrophysical gamma-rays |
Based on adaptations of the CRPropa code the PhD will simulate the combined influence of structured primordial magnetic fields and plasma instabilities on gamma-ray spectra. This is at the intersection with cosmology Universität Hamburg Prof. Dr. Günter Sigl, Prof. Dr. Florian Grüner, Prof. Dr. Martin Pohl |
| TH4 |
Understanding Swampland Constraints on Quantum Gravity via String Theory |
This project in Theoretical Physics intends to challenge some of the recent conjectures on the nature of Quantum Gravity within a string theoretic framework. Among the possible topical directions are the study of the mathematical foundations of these conjectures, in situations with minimal supersymmetry, and to extract consequences for particle or cosmological model building. Universität Hamburg |
| TH5 | Searching for hints of gravitational waves at future colliders |
This PhD is placed at the direct interface between high-energy physics and cosmology. Unstable domain walls are formed already in the early time of our Universe. Their annihilation can produce gravitational waves. Topic of this PhD is the modelling and exploitation of different new physics scenarios that are consistent with both collider and astrophysical constraints but result in direct signals of gravitational waves in observables detectable at future colliders. Universität Hamburg |
| TH6 | Machine Learning for Monte Carlo generation with neural flows |
This PhD is at the interface of collider phenomenology (LHC, future e+e--colliders) and mathematical physics. The goal is a smooth and complete sampling of complicated multi-dimensional phase spaces. For complicated LHC processes phase space integration uncertainties can be of the same order as NLO QCD theory uncertainties, therefore faster integration and simulation techniques are required. The Phd topic builds upon the well-established event-generator framework Whizard. Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY (Hamburg) Dr. Jürgen Reuter, Prof. Dr. Gregor Kasieczka, Prof. Dr. Gudrid Moortgat-Pick |
| TH7 | Exploring the interplay between Higgs physics, the early Universe and gravitational waves |
The discoveries of a Higgs boson at the LHC and of gravitational waves have both opened new windows towards a better understanding of the fundamental laws of nature. In this project theoretical predictions will be developed that are needed for combining the information that can be obtained from both kinds of experimental results and for linking the physics at particle colliders to the evolution of the early Universe. Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY (Hamburg) |
| TH8 | From quantum field theory to gravitational waves |
The detection of gravitational waves by the LIGO/Virgo collaboration established the birth of gravitational wave science. In a parallel development, the past decade has seen enormous advances in our understanding of scattering amplitudes in quantum field theory, including novel tools to solve for the associated Feynman integrals. The PhD research project will entail the use of several modern tools from particle physics to produce state-of-the-art calculations directly relevant to the construction of high-accuracy models for the gravitational wave emission of compact binary systems. Universität Hamburg |
| TH9 | Conformal Multi-point Bootstrap |
The conformal bootstrap program offers exciting novel insight into the non-perturbative dynamics of quantum field theories. In this project we want to explore for the first time (numerical and analytical) bootstrap constraints that arise from correlation functions of six scalar fields in 1D, with a focus on applications to line defects in higher dimensional theories. Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY (Hamburg) |
| TH10 / EXP10 | Modelling of plasma lenses and capturing of positrons |
This position is at the interface between highly topical physics research and state-of-the art modern accelerator physics. The generation of positrons is a great challenge for all future collider concepts. Focus of this PhD is the simulation, the modelling and the construction of plasma lenses for optimizing the positron capture at future collider concepts. Specific aspects of plasma lenses of this thesis have direct impact on current experiments at FLASHForward. Universität Hamburg |
| TH11 | Hunting dark matter in the cosmos and at colliders |
This PhD project is centred around the puzzle of dark matter, whose nature remains elusive despite tremendous theoretical and experimental efforts. The position is at the interface between theoretical particle physics, astrophysics and early-universe cosmology. The precise topic is up for discussion. Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY (Hamburg) |
| TH12 | Early universe cosmology |
The position is at the interface of particle physics and early universe cosmology. Possible topics are in the areas: gravitational waves from phase transitions and other primordial sources, primordial black holes, axion and Higgs cosmology and inflation. Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY (Hamburg) Dr. Thomas Konstandin, Dr. Andreas Ringwald, Prof. Dr. Géraldine Servant, Dr. Alexander Westphal |
| TH13 / EXP13 | Higgs-boson self-interactions at future colliders |
The self-coupling of the detected Higgs boson provides access to the structure of the Higgs potential, which is crucial for an understanding of the mechanism that provides mass to elementary particles and of phase transitions in the early Universe. Experimentally, this important quantity is extremely difficult to access, and the prospects sensitively depend on the underlying physics that is realised in nature. The goal of this project is to develop a strategy for determining the Higgs self-interaction in an experimentally and theoretically robust way at present and future colliders. Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY (Hamburg) |
| TH14 | Landscape of Effective Field Theories beyond the Standard Model |
Effective Field Theories are a convenient way to organise our knowledge of Nature and to parametrise our ignorance about new physics. Locality and unitarity requirements on the UV dynamics imposes some non-trivial positivity constraints on the IR dynamics. First, the geometry of these constraints will be studied. And phenomenological implications will be derived on Higgs and electroweak physics as well as on flavour physics (incl. CP violation). The prospects for future colliders (ILC, FCC, muon collider...) will be examined. Time permitting, connections with black-hole properties beyond general relativity could also be explored. Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY (Hamburg) |
| TH15 | Precision predictions and effective-field theory methods at the LHC |
This PhD project aims to obtain precise theoretical predictions for kinematic distributions of Higgs and electroweak bosons that are measured very precisely at the LHC. It will use and further develop modern effective-field-theory techniques to resum the perturbative series to all orders and to obtain reliable estimates of the remaining theoretical uncertainties. The predictions will be compared with the experimental measurements to determine important Standard-Model parameters and to indirectly constrain possible effects from new physics beyond the Standard Model. Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY (Hamburg) |
Mathematics and mathematical physics
| Code | Title |
Explanantion, location of position, supervisor(s) |
| MA1 | Various topics in the research group "Higher Structures" |
The position is situated at the interface of mathematical physics and higher category theory. Potential subjects of research include relative Calabi–Yau structures, Bridgeland stability conditions, topological Fukaya categories, categorification, derived moduli spaces and others, depending on background and interest of the candidate. Universität Hamburg |
| MA2 | Large scale structure of special geometries |
The large scale structure of special geometries is one of the research topics investigated in the differential geometry group. A possible PhD project is to analyze the behaviour of the isometry groups of quaternionic Kähler manifolds under quantum corrections. The successful candidate should have a strong background in differential geometry and theoretical physics. Universität Hamburg |
| MA3 | Quantum geometry of moduli space of vacua |
PhD projects under my supervision would be at the interface of mathematics and theoretical physics. The successful candidates would investigate geometric structures of moduli spaces of vacua of supersymmetric quantum field theories and string theory, especially hyperkähler structures, the quantisation of such moduli spaces, and the resulting algebraic structures. Universität Hamburg |
| MA4 | Topological phases with symmetries |
The classification of universality classes of topological phases of matter in two dimensions with symmetries is mathematically closely related with equivariant three-dimensional topological field theories. The theory of defects and boundary conditions in such theories needs a deeper understanding of categorical equivariant Morita theory. The goal of this PhD project is to develop the corresponding theory, including Universität Hamburg |
| MA5 | Topological field theory as a mathematical model for gravity |
The focus of this project is the duality between 3d TQFT and 2d CFT, which can serve as a model for aspects of holography in 3d. This correspondence will be explored in several new directions, such as including defects, non-semisimplicity and super-symmetry. Universität Hamburg |
| MA6 | Elliptic Integrability in supersymmetric gauge theories |
N=4 SYM is integrable and thus the paradigmatic example of an exactly solvable gauge theory. We will study more realistic gauge theories, with lower supersymmetry, and show that they can be mapped to elliptic integrable models, rendering them also exactly solvable gauge theories. Universität Hamburg |
| MA7 | Hypergeometry of Feynman Integrals |
This project aims to open new pathways for the evaluation of Feynman integrals, by exploiting methods from algebraic geometry. Relying on their recent interpretation as A-hypergeometric functions, it will seek to transform powerful technologies developed for the latter, into efficient algorithms for perturbative computations. Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY (Hamburg) |