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Tag: PhD position

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PhD position in AI-driven inference for gravitational-wave cosmology with LISA at University of Amsterdam

Are you excited by gravitational waves, cosmology, and modern AI-based analysis techniques? Do you enjoy developing new methods and working closely with theorists and LISA instrument and data-analysis teams? Join the GRAPPA research center at the University of Amsterdam to tackle the global analysis of data from the next-generation Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) and help shape the future of gravitational-wave cosmology. Closes on February 15th 2026.

We are seeking an enthusiastic PhD candidate to develop cutting-edge, AI-driven inference methods for next-generation gravitational-wave astronomy, with a focus on cosmology and astroparticle physics. The position is based at the University of Amsterdam within the GRAPPA Center of Excellence, where you will join the research group of Dr. Christoph Weniger and work in close collaboration with an international network of theorists, machine-learning and AI experts, and LISA instrument and data-analysis teams, at the interface of fundamental physics and modern data science.

The PhD project is centered on the analysis of data from the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) and addresses key challenges such as the global inference of large populations of overlapping gravitational-wave sources and stochastic backgrounds. The ultimate goal is to extract new information about the early Universe and fundamental physics—including inflationary processes, dark matter, and dark energy—from LISA’s rich gravitational-wave data.

What you will do

You will work as part of a strong, collaborative research team on the development and application of AI-based inference methods for gravitational-wave cosmology, focusing on complex, high-dimensional LISA data.

A central element of the project is the use of simulation-based inference (SBI)—a rapidly developing alternative to classical likelihood-based data analysis enabled by recent advances in deep learning. Within the LISA context, these methods are developed in a complementary way to existing likelihood-based and pipeline-driven efforts aimed at achieving a global fit of the data, providing new tools to address LISA’s computational and statistical challenges.

In particular, you will work on sequential, hierarchical, and population-level inference methods for LISA data analysis. Your work will result in publications in leading peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences. You will also contribute to open-source research software and participate in the supervision of Bachelor and Master students.

Tasks and responsibilities:

  • Conducting independent research in gravitational-wave cosmology and data analysis, leading to publications in international peer-reviewed journals;
  • Developing and applying AI-driven inference methods for LISA data;
  • Contributing to open-source software for AI-driven gravitational-wave analysis;
  • Presenting research results at international conferences and workshops;
  • Assisting in the supervision of Bachelor and Master students, including co-supervision of theses and tutoring.

Please find here details.

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PhD Position in Gravitational-Wave Astronomy at University of Santiago de Compostela, IGFAE

The gravitational-wave research program (GRWA) team at IGFAE invites applications for a PhD position in gravitational-wave astronomy.

The successful candidate will work within the broad field on gravitational-wave data analysis. Particular research topics may include, but are not limited to:

  • Searches for black-hole mergers, neutron stars and exotic compact objects in LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA data.
  • Population inference of compact binaries Tests of General Relativity using gravitational-wave observations.
  • Next generation detectors like Einstein Telescope and LISA.

Eligibility
Applicants should hold, or be about to obtain, a Master’s degree in Physics, Mathematics, Astronomy, or a closely related field.

Application Deadline
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply before February 15th, 2026.

Start Date
The contract is expected to start between May 1st and October 31st, 2026.

About IGFAE
IGFAE is a joint research institute of the University of Santiago de Compostela and the Xunta de Galicia. The institute has been awarded both the “María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence” and “Red CIGUS” distinctions, recognising its international scientific excellence. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups in terms of gender identity, ethnic or social origin, disability, or any other characteristic.

Please find here details.

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PhD fellowships at SISSA in Trieste

The gravitational-wave physics group at SISSA (Trieste, Italy) invites applications for PhD positions in gravitational-wave theory, source modeling, science interpretation and data analysis, to start in the fall of 2026. The hard deadline for applications is 23-02-2026 13:00 local Italian time.

Successful candidates will join the GWSKy project, which an ERC Synergy Grant has recently funded. We are particularly interested in hiring creative and highly motivated candidates who can work collaboratively and independently in a vibrant, welcoming, and synergistic group. The ERC-funded project called “Making sense of the unexpected in the gravitational-wave sky (GWSky)” is led by PIs Enrico Barausse (SISSA, Trieste, Italy), Zvi Bern (University of California, Los Angeles, US), Alessandra Buonanno (Albert Einstein Institute, Potsdam) and Maarten van de Meent (Niels Bohr Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark).

The aim of the GWSky project is to use gravitational-wave measurements by existing and future observatories on the Earth and in space as precision laboratories for fundamental physics, cosmology, and astrophysics. This includes the current LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA detectors, as well as the future ground-based observatories Cosmic Explorer and Einstein Telescope, and the space-based detector LISA. By leveraging the PIs and their team’s expertise, the GWSky project aims to develop a groundbreaking framework capable of solving the highly nonlinear equations of Einstein’s General theory of Relativity, creating waveform models with unprecedented accuracy, and translating these results into practical tools for interpreting the data.

As a consequence, at SISSA we are looking at candidates in the following research areas: numerical-relativity simulations in General Relativity and alternative theories of gravity; environmental effects for binary systems; tests of General Relativity; gravitational-wave data analysis and machine learning; waveform modeling.

Applications should be sent via https://pica.cineca.it/sissa/phd-agp-01-2026 Please tick both the “SISSA fellowship” and “ERC – GWSky fellowship” options within the platform when you apply

Please also https://www.sissa.it/sites/default/files/2024-03/SISSA_IstruzioniCompilazioneDomandaPICA%20-%20ENGL_0.pdf for instructions on how to use the application platform

The hard deadline for applications is 23-02-2026 13:00 local Italian time.

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Multiple funded PhD positions available at the U²GRC

Multiple funded PhD positions are available at the UMass Dartmouth and University of Rhode Island gravity research group. 
We seek candidates for multiple, fully-funded PhD positions at UMass Dartmouth and the University of Rhode Island in the broad area of gravitational-wave science.

Gravitational physics researchers at both universities have recently established the UMass-URI Gravity Research Consortium (U2GRC) — a joint gravity research group. Several new researchers have been hired by both universities, including Drs. Aidan Chatwin-Davies (URI), Sarah Caudill (UMassD), Derek Davis (URI), Deborah Ferguson (URI), Michael Puerrer (URI) and Vijay Varma (UMassD). This is in addition to others who were already present, i.e. Drs. Rob Coyne (URI), Scott Field (UMassD), Bob Fisher (UMassD), Doug Gobeille (URI), and Gaurav Khanna (URI/UMassD). Most are members of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration, LISA Consortium and the SXS Collaboration. U2GRC currently has over 20 PhD students working on various different aspects of gravitational-wave science. The group has Zoom meetings twice a week and meets in person monthly. Course exchange agreements have been formalized between the two universities to make it seamless for U2GRC students to take classes being offered at either campus. Additional agreements underway include joint student advising, collaborative grant funding, and extensive computational resource sharing.

We are particularly interested in applicants interested in working in these specific research areas: gravitational-wave data analysis and detector characterization, data driven surrogate models, numerical relativity, black hole perturbation theory, and quantum information / gravity. Please apply by February 1st, 2026 for best chances of receiving funding.

Please reach out with any questions to Drs. Scott Field (UMass Dartmouth) and Gaurav Khanna (URI) by emailing u2grc-faculty(at)googlegroups.com. Candidates are welcome to apply to either or both universities, but may wish to consult Drs. Field and Khanna first on the best match for their interests and goals. To find out more about the PhD programs at both universities: UMass Dartmouth Interdisciplinary PhD (Computational Science option) and URI Physics PhD Program.

Please find here details.

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PhD opportunities at the Institute of Space Sciences (ICE-CSIC & IEEC)

Possibility of pursuing a PhD in gravitational wave physics at the Institute of Space Sciences (ICE-CSIC) in Barcelona [see a description below] through the: Doctoral INPhINIT Incoming fellowship program of the LaCaixa Foundation. Application deadline: January 23rd, 2025, at 2 pm CET.

Candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for more than twelve months in the three years immediately preceding the closing date of the call.

The ICE-CSIC, as a research centre accredited with the Spanish Seal of Excellence María de Maeztu will support applications of interested candidates to work in any aspect of gravitational wave astronomy, from instrumentation to theory. ICE members participate in LISA, LVK, and ET.

Contact: Carlos F. Sopuerta (carlos.f.sopuerta(at)csic.es), Sascha Husa (sascha.husa(at)csic.es), Miquel Nofrarias (nofrarias(at)ice.csic.es)

Please find here full details.

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ERC-funded Postdoc and PhD positions on gravitational-wave theory, source modeling, and science interpretation at the MPI for Gravitational Physics in Potsdam

The "Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity" (ACR) department at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute, AEI) in Potsdam Science Park announces the opening of several Ph.D. students and postdoctoral appointments in gravitational-wave theory, source modeling, and science interpretation. Successful candidates will join the GWSky project, which an ERC Synergy Grant  has recently funded. We are particularly interested in hiring creative and highly motivated candidates who can work collaboratively and independently in a vibrant, welcoming, and synergistic group. The deadline for full consideration is December 6, 2024.

The ERC-funded project called “Making sense of the unexpected in the gravitational-wave sky (GWSky)” is led by PIs Alessandra Buonanno, head of the ACR department, Enrico Barausse (SISSA, Trieste, Italy), Zvi Bern (University of California, Los Angeles, US), and Maarten van de Meent (Niels Bohr Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark). Given the synergistic aspect of the GWSky project, we anticipate that for a few postdoctoral scholars, there will be the opportunity to spend two years at the AEI and the subsequent two years in another node. One of the supervisors of the Ph.D. students at the AEI may be located in another node.

The aim of the GWSky project is to use gravitational-wave measurements by existing and future observatories on the Earth and in space as precision laboratories for fundamental physics, cosmology, and astrophysics. This includes the current LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA detectors, as well as the future ground-based observatories Cosmic Explorer and Einstein Telescope, and the space-based detector LISA. By leveraging the PIs and their groups’ expertise, the GWSky project aims to develop a groundbreaking framework capable of solving the highly nonlinear equations by Einstein’s General theory of Relativity, creating waveform models with unprecedented accuracy, and translating these results into practical tools for interpreting the data.

As a consequence, we are looking at candidates in the following research areas: post-Minkowskian formalism, scattering amplitudes, gravitational self-force, post-Newtonian theory, effective-one-body formalism, numerical-relativity surrogate models, methods to accelerate waveform generation, numerical-relativity simulations in General Relativity and alternative theories of gravity, environmental effects for binary systems, tests of General Relativity, gravitational-wave data analysis and machine learning.

To apply, please submit your application via our job portal
for the postdoctoral positions here.
for the PhD positions here.

You will be asked to upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications and a statement of past and future research activities of not more than 3 pages. Ph.D. applicants will also be asked to upload their university transcripts and Master thesis (if applicable). Applicants will need to indicate the names of three referees for recommendation letters. Please Register an account with our job portal and fill in the contact information for the referees well before the deadline, so that reference letters can be received in time. Referees will receive an email with instructions on how to upload their letters. In case of technical problems with the application form, please contact jobs(at)aei.mpg.de.

The four nodes of GWSky will have positions in a variety of subdisciplines that feed into precision theoretical studies of gravitational waves. Those interested in potential positions at other nodes may follow the links:

Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline for full consideration, including receipt of reference letters, is December 6, 2024. The anticipated start date of the positions is Fall 2025. Applications will be considered until all positions are filled.

The salary and social benefits (e.g., health insurance) are based on the collective labor agreement “TVöD Bund” for the German public sector, usually at pay grade E13 (if the qualifications according to TVöD are met). In case an offer is made, a projection of the gross and net salary based on the TVöD regulations will be prepared.

The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or national origin. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and, therefore, encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The AEI and the Max Planck Society welcome persons with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusion (Code of Conduct). The institute promotes a healthy work-life balance by offering all employees a family support service, cooperation with a nearby international kindergarten, and an in-house parent-child office and nursing room.

For further information, please contact acr-jobs(at)aei.mpg.de.

Please find here full details.

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PhD positions in Theory and Phenomenology of High Energy Physics at RWTH Aachen

Prof. M. Czakon and Prof. M. Worek invite applications for Ph.D. positions in theoretical particle physics (hep-ph) with a starting date in the fall of 2024. The PhD projects concern precision Standard Model predictions for the LHC, perturbative QCD, top quark and Higgs boson physics. The recipients will be hosted by the Institute for Theoretical Particle Physics and Cosmology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany. The deadline for applications is June 7, 2024.

We explicitly encourage applications from qualified women. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference if equally qualified.

More information about the Institute for Theoretical Particle Physics and Cosmology, RWTH Aachen University can be found at:

https://www.particle-theory.rwth-aachen.de

The PhD positions are funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The PhD students will be eligible for association with

  • the Research Training Group: Physics of the Heaviest Particles at the LHC – http://www.rwth-aachen.de/rtg2497
  • the Transregional Collaborative Research Centre: P3H – Particle Physics Phenomenology after the Higgs Discovery – https://p3h.particle.kit.edu/.

Please enclose in the application:

  • cover letter stating your interests, motivation, and preference for either Prof. Czakon or Prof. Worek
  • research statement,
  • curriculum vitae,
  • degree certificates and study transcripts with a description of the grading scheme,
  • abstract (maximum half a page) of your diploma or masters thesis,
  • list of your publications (if any).

Please arrange for 2 letters of recommendation to be submitted via AcademicJobsOnline.org.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a job interview shortly after the deadline. The job interview will include:

  • an oral scientific presentation (20 minutes) given by you on a subject of your choice,
  • an interview to gain a deeper understanding of your knowledge and motivation.

Please find here full details.