Postdoc in Theoretical Heavy-ion Physics

Within the working group of Prof. Dr. Hannah Elfner at the Institute for Theoretical Physics, Department of Physics at Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, there is an opening for a position of a postdoctoral researcher (m/f/d) (E13 TV-G-U) in the research area of theoretical heavy ion physics with strong numerical emphasis from Fall 2026 limited for three years. The salary payment follows the wage agreement of Goethe University for postdoctoral researchers.

The successful applicant will be part of the collaborative research center CRC-TR 211 "Strong-interaction matter under extreme conditions" ( to work on the sub-project Z02 "Software development center". The participation within the collaborative research center provides access to exclusive opportunities for networking with other researchers in the fields of theoretical heavy‑ion physics, lattice QCD and cosmology. Regular joint seminars and colloquia at the different universities provide room for mutual exchange. In general, the Rhine‑Main region around Frankfurt is well known for its research focus on theoretical heavy‑ion physics. In addition, the group of Prof. Elfner is directly associated to GSI with the future FAIR complex.

The successful applicant will have a scientific background in theoretical heavy‑ion physics and support the different groups within the CRC‑TR‑211 on software development. This implies optimization tasks as well as assisting with the maintenance of large open source codes and their full development cycle. In addition, the knowledge on software development tools is expected to be shared by running a pedagogical talk series. Physics‑wise, the focus of the group is on the hadronic transport approach SMASH (Simulating Many Accelerated Strongly‑Interacting Hadrons) and its connection to relativistic hydrodynamics for the dynamical simulation of heavy‑ion reactions.

The applicant is required to have obtained a scientific university degree equivalent to a PhD in physics at latest at the moment of the starting of the position. It is desirable, that the applicant has already experience with transport theory in heavy‑ion collisions. Good knowledge of program languages (C++ and Python) as well as experience with high performance computing are required. In addition, good communication skills and ability to work in a team will be considered.

The CRC-TR 211 and Bielefeld/Darmstadt/Frankfurt University are strongly committed to equal opportunities and place great importance on ensuring welcoming working conditions and a work‑family balance for all its employees. We particularly welcome applications from women and members of underrepresented groups in our field.

Please send your application with a CV including a list of publications and two letters of recommendation until January 21st 2026 via E-Mail to Hannah Elfner