University Professorship in Theoretical Quantum Optics

Offer Description

We strive for universality, diversity and interdisciplinarity. With more than 26,000 students, three Clusters of Excellence, 5,000 members of staff, over 150 institutes and an outstanding infrastructure, Leibniz University Hannover offers an innovative environment for top-level education and research in a comprehensive range of subjects.

The Faculty of Mathematics and Physics invites applications for the following position of salary scale W2 NBesO with tenure track to salary scale W3 NBesO:

University Professorship in Theoretical Quantum Optics

The position (to be filled before October 2026) is limited to 5 years. Following a positive evaluation, the candidate will receive a tenured professorship (salary scale W3).

The Position

We are seeking an internationally recognized individual who can represent the field of modern Theoretical Quantum Optics with strong international visibility. The professorship will further sharpen the profile of Leibniz University Hannover as an internationally recognized centre for quantum optics, quantum metrology, and quantum simulation.

Preferred research areas include atomic optics and interferometry, gravitational wave detection, quantum optomechanics, quantum computing, optical clocks, as well as quantum metrology and sensing. Applicants may specialize in one or several of these areas; covering all listed topics is not required.

Leibniz University Hannover offers a highly active research environment in the broad field of quantum optics and quantum metrology, which constitutes a key research focus of the university. The professorship is expected to foster interdisciplinary collaboration between experimental quantum optics, theoretical physics, and applied quantum science. In this context, close cooperation with groups at the Institute of Theoretical Physics, the Institute of Quantum Optics, the Institute of Gravitational Physics, and the Institute of Solid State Physics is foreseen.

The professorship will contribute significantly to strengthening the Quantum Frontiers Cluster of Excellence. In addition, close involvement in the Collaborative Research Center 1227 "Designed States of Quantum Matter" and its successor projects is planned.

At the regional level, further cooperation opportunities exist with the Technical University of Braunschweig, the National Metrology Institute of Germany (PTB), and the DLR Institute for Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensing (DLR-SI), particularly in the field of quantum sensing and metrology for space applications. On the international level, the professorship is expected to contribute to expanding LUH’s network with leading research institutions in quantum optics and quantum metrology, for instance through participation in European and international collaborative research projects.

The professorship is affiliated with the Institute for Theoretical Physics and participates in the institute's teaching activities. This includes the full range of undergraduate teaching in theoretical physics.

Your Profile

The future job holder is expected to meet the following requirements:

• Completed doctorate in theoretical physics
• Proven outstanding scientific achievements in the field of theoretical quantum optics (e.g. through habilitation or equivalent scientific qualifications)
• Research in one or (ideally) several of the following areas: atomic optics and interferometry, gravitational wave detection, quantum optomechanics, quantum computing, optical clocks, quantum metrology and sensing
• Strong commitment to and experience in acquiring third-party funding

What we can offer you

LUH offers excellent working conditions in a vibrant scientific community combined with an exceptional standard of living in a modern city surrounded by nature.

In addition, LUH provides numerous opportunities for further education and training as well as many services to support families . The Dual Career Service at LUH is aimed at the partners of newly-appointed professors and provides support with career perspectives in Hannover and the surrounding region. As a central point of contact for international researchers, the Welcome Centre provides information, service…