Bio
I am currently a postdoctoral research scientist in lattice QCD at the University of Regensburg. I am strongly interested in computational problem solving, combining the rigor of theoretical physics with a pragmatic, engineering-driven approach. I enjoy working across methods and technologies, from algorithms and modeling to data-driven approaches and low-level systems.
What I’m Up To
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Sebastian Spiegel - Computational Physicist
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- Building TinyML object detection on microcontroller
- Developing the portfolio webpage you are reading
- Transitioning from academia to industry
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- Physics-Informed Neural Networks project
- Reinforcement Learning (NEAT algorithm)
- CUDA optimization and memory management
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December 2025
Background
I am currently working as a postdoctoral researcher at the chair of Sara Collins.
I completed my PhD in lattice QCD under the supervision of Christoph Lehner. My main research focused on the muon anomalous magnetic moment (g-2): I computed the short-distance window of the leading-order hadronic vacuum polarization for the first time from first-principles lattice QCD. I carried out the project end-to-end, including HPC simulations, data pipeline design, and statistical analysis.
The resulting estimate is cited in the 2025 Muon g-2 Theory Initiative White Paper and contributes to the current Standard Model prediction of the muon g-2.
In parallel, I collaborated with Gunnar Bali and Sara Collins on precision charmonium spectroscopy.
Towards the end of my PhD, I squeezed in an embedded software development internship at the start-up excav in Erlangen.
During my master’s degree, I specialized in theoretical physics with a focus on lattice QCD and computational methods. My thesis with Christoph Lehner focused on algorithmic improvements for Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulations in lattice field theory (Schwinger model) on HPC systems.
In addition, I worked as a student assistant at Bertrandt in their Advanced Driver Assistance Systems team in Regensburg.
I did my bachelor's thesis with Thorsten Glüsenkamp and Gisela Anton at ECAP, simulating novel particle detector geometries for the planned Gen2 expansion of the IceCube neutrino telescope at the South Pole.
Life outside of work
I have a passion for Olympic weightlifting, functional fitness, and sports in general, which helps me stay grounded after long days in front of a screen.
I like to read, both fiction and non-fiction, especially crime and mystery. Stephen King and Simon Beckett feature prominently on my reading list, with the occasional Yuval Noah Harari or Nassim Nicholas Taleb scattered in. Lately, I don’t find as much time to read as I’d like, but audiobooks have become a welcome way to increase my book count during commutes or during chores. 😉
Occasionally, I also enjoy video games or movies, particularly when they emphasize strong storytelling or offer a unique experience or perspective.