Two PhD positions in nuclear theory

Founded in 1607, Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) is a research university rich in tradition. Inspired by curiosity about the unknown, we enable around 25,000 students and 5,800 employees to advance science for society. Join us in breaking new ground and writing success stories - your own and those of our university.

Support us from July 1st 2026 in one of two positions in part-time (65%) as

Doctoral student (m/f/d) in theoretical High Energy and Nuclear Physics

The positions are part of the project "A03 - Inhomogeneous phases at high density" of the Collaborative Research Center CRC-TR 211 "Strong-Interaction Matter under Extreme Conditions" ( ) and are to be filled on a fixed-term basis in accordance with § 2 WissZeitVG and § 72 HessHG with the opportunity for own academic qualification in the Group of Dr. Fabian Rennecke at the Institute for Theoretical Physics of the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Physics, Geography. The salary is in accordance with the collective labour agreement of the State of Hessen (E 13 TV-H).

As long as the maximum permissible duration of a fixed-term contract is not exceeded, you will be employed for a period of 3 years.

Your tasks at a glance

• Investigation of exotic phases of Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) at high density, particularly focusing on inhomogeneous phases and the moat regime
• Application of the Functional Renormalization Group and other field-theoretic methods to QCD and effective models
• Participation in events and collaboration with other groups of the CRC-TR 211

The provision of academic services (including the processing of a research project financed by third party funds on a temporary basis) also serves the purpose of academic qualification.

Your qualifications and competences

• Completed Master‘s or equivalent university degree in theoretical physics
• Solid knowledge of quantum field theory and statistical physics
• Basic programming skills

Our offer to you

• A varied job with flexible working hours in the international research environment provided by the CRC-TR 211 ( ) and the Helmholtz Research Academy Hesse for FAIR ( )
• Membership in the Helmholtz Graduate School for Hadron and Ion Research offering a diverse program of lecture weeks and soft-skill seminars, with travel funds to support attendance of international conferences and scientific exchange visits (see )
• Free use of local public transport (LandesTicket Hessen)
• More than 100 training seminars, workshops and e-learning opportunities per year for personal development, as well as a wide range of health and sports activities
• Remuneration according to TV-H, company pension scheme, child allowance and special payments
• Good compatibility of family and career (certificate "audit familiengerechte hochschule")

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Fabian Rennecke

JLU welcomes qualified applications regardless of biological and social gender, disability, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, age as well as sexual orientation and identity. The JLU aims for a higher proportion of women in accordance with the women's promotion plan. We therefore particularly encourage qualified female candidates to apply. JLU is certified as a family friendly university. Applications from disabled people of equal aptitude will be given preference.

You want to break new ground with us?

Apply via our online form by May 8th 2026 indicating reference number 207/07. In addition to the standard application materials (cover letter, resume, and transcripts), please have the recommender send a letter of recommendation directly to Dr. Rennecke via email. We look forward to receiving your application.