Tag: PhD position

This PhD studentship offers the chance to develop an ambitious research project at the interface of theory and experiment in gravitational-wave physics and cosmology. Working closely with experienced faculty, the student will explore fundamental questions about the Early Universe and the dark sector, which together shape most of the cosmos we observe today. Many of the most compelling models in these areas predict stochastic backgrounds of gravitational waves—signals that may be detected by current and next-generation experiments. Applcation deadline: April 6th 2026.

The successful candidate will:

• Develop and test theoretical models of the Early Universe and dark sector physics.
• Make quantitative predictions for gravitational-wave signals.
• Connect theory with observational or simulated data from leading international collaborations.

Through active mentorship and collaboration, the student will have the opportunity to engage with major international projects, including Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), Einstein Telescope, Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), and NANOGrav. This involvement will enable the student to become part of vibrant, international research teams at the forefront of discovery.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a motivated student to contribute to some of the most exciting questions in modern physics, gain high-level research training, and build an international scientific profile in a rapidly advancing field.

Please find here details.

The University of Stavanger invites applications for a PhD Fellowship in Physics or Computer Science within the LISA gravitational-wave mission. Application deadline: April 9th, 2026.

The University of Stavanger invites applications for a PhD Fellowship in Physics or Computer Science within the LISA gravitational-wave mission.

The PhD candidate will work on one or both of the following research areas, depending on their background and interests:

• Development and deployment of Norway’s computational facility for the LISA ground segment.
• Development and implementation of global-fit components for analyzing the stochastic gravitational-wave background within the LISA Framework

The work will be carried out within the LISA team of the University of Stavanger in tight collaboration with the international LISA groups.

The position is offered under the standard Norwegian state-employee contract, providing excellent working conditions and benefits.

Details on the job description, contract and other relevant information can be found on the application portal (link).

Contact: Nardini, Germano (for the scientific aspects of the fellowship) (germano.nardini(at)uis.no); Rosa C. Andrade (for the formal and technical aspects of the application)aspects of the position) (rosa.c.andrade(at)uis.no)

Please find here details.

The Ghent Gravity Group is seeking applications for PhD positions in gravitational-wave (GW) instrumentation and data analysis. Members of the group are involved with Virgo instrumentation, LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) data analysis, and Observational Science with the Einstein Telescope (ET). The group is well-embedded in the Virgo / LVK Collaborations (we are already in VirgoLab and are expecting to join IGWN) and Ghent University is also one of the initial members of the Einstein Telescope Collaboration. Moreover Ghent University is a founding partner of the ETpathfinder project, and members of the group take part in the instrumentation developments related to this facility in Maastricht. The group is led by Prof. Archisman Ghosh, and its instrumentation activities are currently overseen by Dr. Daniela Pascucci. Dr. Matthias Vereecken is an independent postdoctoral fellow with a research line in multimessenger transients and neutrino-triggered searches, and another instrumentation postdoc is expected to join the group soon. 

We are looking for candidates with the following profiles:

GW instrumentation (optics): Motivation and experience with hands-on experimental work in a laboratory (required). Familiarity with GW interferometry simulation software such as Finesse and/or Oscar (desired). The research focus will be on Virgo calibration using scattered light. The candidate will also carry out ETpathfinder / ET optics R&D.
GW data analysis: Motivation and experience with data analysis work in context of GW sciences (required). Familiarity with LVK detector characterization / search / parameter inference pipelines (desired). The research focus will be on development of data analysis techniques for 3G detectors. Participation in LVK/IGWN data analysis work is also expected.

We will fill one or both of the above positions depending on the availability of suitable candidates.

Candidates should have a masters degree in the Physical Sciences or Engineering. Applications should include: (i) a statement of interest (up to two pages), (ii) a brief academic CV, (iii) a list of grades, (iv) title and abstract of masters thesis (if applicable), and additionally (v) two letters of reference (to be sent directly by the referees). Applications including letters of reference are to be sent to gravity@ugent.be.

The deadline for applications is 31 March 2026. We will interview the shortlisted candidates in April / early May and expect to announce the results by May. The position is expected to begin on 01 September 2026 or soon afterwards. PhD positions in Belgium are for a duration of 4 years.

Please find here details.

We are accepting applications for five PhD positions (67% salary scale TV-L E13) in quantum field theory and gravitational physics starting October 1st, 2026 or soon thereafter.

We offer challenging PhD projects in the areas of

    Scattering amplitudes
    Phenomenology
    Lattice field theory
    AdS/CFT correspondence
    Gravitational wave physics

under the guidance of the following supervisors: Alessandra Buonanno, Valentina Forini, Jeremy Green, Peter Marquard, Agostino Patella, Jan Plefka or Jan Steinhoff.

Please complete the form below. Indicate your research interests, the supervisors you would like to work with and a short (up to 1500 characters) explanation of your choices. Please upload in a single PDF file: a motivation letter, CV, transcript of records, copies of certifcates, and if applicable, your Master’s thesis. Moreover, two letters of recommendation on your behalf are required. The referees will be contacted by us.

For further inquiries, you may contact us at rtg2575(at)physik.hu-berlin.de or for technical problems at web-support(at)aei.mpg.de.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an intial interview in the begining of April 2026. Please refrain from inquiring about the status of your application before end of April, as the screening process may take time.

Please find here details.

We expect to open one funded PhD position in theoretical physics at the University of Murcia (Spain). Application deadline: April 15 2026.

We expect to open one funded PhD position in theoretical physics at the University of Murcia (Spain).
We are seeking students interested in gravitational physics, with research topics including black holes, gravitational waves, and modifications of General Relativity. The position is funded for four years, in accordance with the Spanish Law of Science. The expected start date is September 1st 2026.
The successful candidate will join the research group of Prof. Pablo A. Cano within the ERC-funded project “EFTGrav”. The project aims to characterize the gravitational-wave signatures of beyond-GR theories in black hole binaries.

Applicants should send directly to pablocano(at)um.es the following documents: a CV, academic transcripts, a brief statement of research interests, and the contact details for two referees who could provide reference letters.

Important condition: candidates must hold a Master’s degree or expect to obtain it before the start date.

Please find here full details.

The Institute of Theoretical Physics at the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy has a vacancy for two
PhD positions in the field of
gravitational-waves and numerical relativity (theory)
commencing on August, 1. 2026
We offer a part-time position (50%, 20 hours per week)
The Gravitational-wave and Numerical relativity Working Group investigates questions relating to gravitational waves from compact binaries, relativistic and multimessenger astrophysics, and numerical methods for Einstein equations and relativistic fluids.

Your responsibilities:

• Working on your own scientific qualification project (doctorate)
• Conducting research projects in the field of gravitational theory with reference to gravitational-wave modeling, relativistic astrophysics and numerical relativity
• Co-supervising bachelor’s and master’s students
• Teaching in bachelor’s and master’s programs to the extent of 2 LVS

Your profile:

• A completed master’s degree in physics with a thesis in theoretical physics and/or computational physics
• We require in-depth knowledge of theoretical physics; knowledge of relativity theory is essential; Previous experience in the areas of gravitational-wave theory/modeling, multi-messenger astrophysics with compact objects, and/or astrophysical computer simulations is desirable
• Ability to work independently and organizational skills

We offer:

• Interesting work at an international level and participation in international conferences
• A graduate academy for doctoral students
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale E13 50%, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31An exciting/varied/interesting field of employment / Autonomous work at one of the largest employers in Thuringia / An exciting and varied scope of activities with creative freedom
• A family-friendly working environment with a variety of offers for families: University Family Office ‘JUniFamilie’ and flexible childcare (‘JUniKinder)

The position is a fixed-term position initially limited for three years; an extension is possible.

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by May 1st, 2026 using our online form.

Please find here full details.

The Theoretical Gravitation and Cosmology group at the University of Trento might have one funded PhD position starting in November 2026 and supervised by Prof. Massimiliano Rinaldi.
The selection process is led by a committee, appointed by the Department of Physics, that evaluates all candidates in all physics fields and makes a ranking based on letter of motivation, academic CV and interview (live or online). Details of the selection process can be found here.
Please note that the official 2026 call is not open yet and this announcement is just an unofficial gathering of expressions of interest, to be sent by March 31 2026 and is not an application. The call is expected to open around mid-April 2026.

The net salary is about 1200 per month, which is OK to live in Trento in a shared accommodation. For healthcare regulations, please see
https://www.unitn.it/en/international/coming-unitrento/all-you-need-know/health-insurance
Some travel money is also granted every year. PhD students in our group are usually included in the local section of the INFN (National Institute for Nuclear Physics), which can provide for extra travel funding.
The position does not require any teaching although a limited amount of (paid) tutoring can be arranged.

The project

The research project is centred at the interplay of theoretical gravitation, cosmology and black hole physics, with particular attention to the so-called cosmological coupling of compact object masses and the corresponding phenomenological signatures. The detailed project can be tuned upon the specific skills of the selected candidate. The ideal candidate has a strong background in theoretical physics, especially in general relativity. A good knowledge of topics such as black hole physics, dark matter, dark energy, and cosmology is a plus. Also, skills in numerical computation might be important, although not essential. To have a better idea of the research work, please look at my recent publications here.

The city
Trento is a charming, medium-sized medieval town located in the heart of the Italian Alps. The town regularly tops rankings for quality of life in Italy. It is surrounded by nature (mountains, lakes, woods,…), and the Trentino Alto-Adige region (https://www.visittrentino.info/en) is home to 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites, while also being a renown skiing site, and boasting a rich culinary and wine-making tradition. The city is well connected to the rest of Italy, as well as Central Europe, with e.g. Milan, Turin, Trieste, Ferrara, Bologna, Padova, Venice, Florence, Pisa, Innsbruck, and Munich all being within no more than a 4-hour train ride or drive. The University of Trento is a young, but highly dynamic and international University, and regularly tops the rankings for medium-sized Universities in Italy, especially within the physical sciences.

Procedure

Please submit the following material:

• Academic CV (with transcript of records, if available);
• Letter of motivation (1 page max);
• One letter of reference.

via AcademicJobsOnline at at this link by March 31, 2026.
Any material sent in other ways will not be considered.

The Italian PhD selection procedures are quite unique, so read carefully the regulations linked above.

For more information (but read the selection procedure first!), please send an email to massimiliano [dot] rinaldi [at] unitn [dot] it.

Please find here full details.