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Author: Marcus Mohring

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Positions in GW lensing at IFT Madrid

We invite applications for PhD and Postdoctoral positions at the Instituto de Física Teórica (IFT UAM–CSIC, Madrid) in the areas of gravitational waves, gravitational lensing, and fundamental physics. Positions are funded by the ERC Consolidator Grant GLOW, CSIC-MAX, and Atracción de Talento programs. Starting date is October 2026 or later.

Successful candidates will work with Miguel Zumalacárregui (joining IFT in Summer 2026). Research topics include:

  • Wave-optics phenomena in gravitational lensing
  • Searches for lensed gravitational waves (data analysis, machine learning…)
  • Gravitational lensing of stars by binary black holes
  • Tests of dark matter, dark energy and modified gravity

We are looking for creative and highly motivated individuals with interest or experience in cosmology, gravitational lensing, gravitational waves, compact-object astrophysics, data analysis, and/or computational methods. Expertise in these topics is not a prerequisite: candidates with strong motivation and willingness to acquire the relevant skills are encouraged to apply.

IFT is a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence with a vibrant international community, active visitor programs, and strong research in cosmology, gravitation, high-energy and astroparticle physics. The group is involved in the Euclid and LISA missions and maintains collaborations with AEI (Potsdam), IAS (Princeton), Oxford, NBI Copenhagen, and UC Berkeley.

IFT is an equal-opportunity employer. Applications from women and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged.

POSTDOC POSITIONS:

Application link: https://calls.ift.uam-csic.es/convocatoria/NTY=

We seek creative and independent researchers with experience in gravitational waves, gravitational lensing, cosmology, astrophysics, or related fields. Applicants must hold a PhD in Physics (or equivalent) by the starting date. Positions are typically 2–3 years with competitive salary, travel funding, and support for collaboration visits.
Review of applications will begin on December 15 and continue until the positions are filled.

PhD POSITIONS:

Application link: https://calls.ift.uam-csic.es/convocatoria/NTk=

Applicants must hold, or be close to completing, a Master’s degree in Physics or a closely related field, as required for enrollment in the UAM PhD program and for Spanish predoctoral contracts. Students will have opportunities to develop independent research directions and participate in international collaborations.
Review of applications will begin on January 10th and continue until the positions are filled.

Please feel free to distribute this announcement.

For inquiries, contact: miguel.zumalacarregui(at)aei.mpg.de

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Dark Matter and Stars: Multi-Messenger Probes of Dark Matter and Modified Gravity, July 13-15 2026, Southampton

The International Conference "Dark Matter and Stars: Multi-Messenger Probes of Dark Matter and Modified Gravity" aims to bring together scientists working across the different research fields of astrophysics, cosmology, and modified gravity. We want to look at the dark matter problem from different perspectives, considering it to be of particle nature, as well as modification of gravity. This meeting is intended to initiate cross-field discussions of dark matter searches, their current status, and future prospects.

Conference Website

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Postdoc (m/f/d) in the field of interdisciplinary Physics at TU Braunschweig

The Institute of Theoretical Physics at the Technische Universität Braunschweig invites applications for a postdoc position in the field of interdisciplinary physics (salary scale E13 TV-L, full-time). The appointment begins in April 2026 and will end in September 2027. Extension of the position depends on the performance of the research and teaching as well as the funding availability in the institute.

Interdisciplinary physics focuses on establishing new connections between different branches of physics. In particular, the institute welcomes applications which will connect astrophysics with quantum science through linear and nonlinear waves, resonance phenomena, and beams. Intersections and interactions between astrophysics and quantum science (atomic/molecular physics, quantum sensors, quantum computing) are encouraged for the position. Applications should provide detailed, in-depth knowledge about the interdisciplinary aspects of astrophysics and quantum science to emphasize the integration of difference branches. Application deadline January 6th 2026.

The successful candidate will have higher degrees of freedom in research (i.e., topics and methods are not specified). The candidate will establish a new branch of interdisciplinary physics through the interactions with the institute research staff, and contribute actively to publications and research grant proposals. The candidate will participate as a teaching assistant in the graduate courses in Solar System Physics or Quantum Material at the university.

The candidate must hold a PhD degree in the field of physics or related subjects, and must be fluent in English communication. The application includes (1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae with academic and employment tracks, (3) publication list (and project funding list if any), (4) research experience up to 2 pages, (5) research plan up to 2 pages, (6) certificates of the Bachelor, Master, and PhD degrees, and (7) two contact points for reference (name/address/phone/email). Recommendation letters sent by the applicants will not be considered as reference.

Please send the application as a single PDF file (up to a file size of 10 MB) by email to y.narita(at)tu-braunschweig.de with the email header “LS202502 application for postdoc position” before 6 January, 2026. For inquiries, please contact Prof. Dr. Yasuhito Narita by phone +49 531 391 5186 or by email at the same address as above.

The institute welcomes applicants of all nationalities. At the same time, the institute encourages people with severe disabilities to apply. Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Please attach a proof of disability to your application.

The personal data will be stored for the purpose of processing the application. By submitting your application, you agree that your data may be stored and processed electronically for application purposes in compliance with the provisions of data protection law. Further information on data protection can be found in our data protection regulations: https://www.tu-braunschweig.de/datenschutzerklaerung-bewerbungen

Please find here details.

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Postdoc in Theoretical/Numerical Cosmology in Montpellier

The Particles, Astroparticles & Cosmology Theory (PACT) group at LUPM (Université de Montpellier, France / CNRS) invites applications for a postdoctoral position in the field of Theoretical/Numerical Cosmology. Particular emphasis will be laid on the study of the evolution and observational signatures or primordial magnetic fields, analysis of cosmic tensions such as the Hubble tension, mining of cosmic CMB and BAO data, and possibly the study of primordial black holes and gravitational waves. Application deadline: January 31st, 2026.

LUPM pursues a broad research agenda at the interface of particle physics and cosmology. Key activities include dark matter, early Universe physics, cosmological tensions, gravitational lensing, and high-energy phenomenology. Permanent members of LUPM are Felix Bruemmer, Pierre Fleury, Cyril Hugonie, Karsten Jedamzik, Julien Larena, Julien Lavalle, Gilbert Moultaka, Vivian Poulin, and Theo Simon. There are furthermore a number of post-docs and students, providing an altogether very lively and accommodating work climate.

Candidate Profile
We are looking for candidates with:

  • a PhD (or nearing completion) in theoretical cosmology, astroparticle physics, and/or numerical magneto-hydrodynamics
  • possibly background in early-Universe physics
  • possible experience with analytical and/or numerical methods (e.g., MHD simulations, Boltzmann codes, MCMC)
  • ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research group.
  • good communication skills in English (French is not required)

The candidate is also expected to collaborate with Karsten Jedamzik.

Please find here details.

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Postdoc positions in particle theory and cosmology in Louvain

The theory group at UCLouvain is inviting applications for two 2+1-year postdoctoral positions starting in the fall of 2026, with focus on the following profiles: Particle phenomenology: effective field theories, their collider phenomenology, precise predictions, and on-shell amplitude techniques, primarily supervised by Céline Degrande and Gauthier Durieux. Application deadline: by January 5th, 2026.

Particle cosmology, broadly defined, primarily associated with the team of Marco Drewes, where current research activities include:

nonequilibrium quantum field theory, thermal quantum field theory
applications in cosmology and astroparticle physics (cosmic inflation and reheating, neutrino decoupling, leptogenesis, dark matter production, …)
phenomenology of cosmologically motivated extensions of the Standard Model (collider and non-collider experiments)

We kindly ask candidates to indicate the alignment of their interests and expertise with one or several of these topics.

Candidates should have obtained their PhD degree no longer than six years before the start of the appointment.

To apply, please submit, preferably in a single PDF file:

  • a cover letter
  • a curriculum vitae
  • a list of publications
  • a research statement
  • the contact details of three references

Please find here details.

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Quantum Gravity and Cosmology 2026, February 9-13, Bologna

General Relativity (GR) perfectly describes a variety of phenomena in gravity at energy scales much less than the Planck mass. However, this theory calls for an ultraviolet (UV) completion at higher energies.

Various approaches have been developed in this direction in the past decades, including (but not limited to) string theory, which naturally contains the limit of GR. The low-energy effective field theory (EFT) of GR can also have a UV completion which is formulated as a field theory, perturbatively including higher curvature operators or non- perturbatively with an asymptotically safe fixed point. Formulation of new methods, especially working for gravity in the non-perturbative regime, requires more exchanges between the scientific communities that used to be separated. We believe that cross-team discussions will lead to significant progress in understanding the self-consistency and potential phenomenological implications of UV complete descriptions of gravity.

The goal of the workshop is to bring together the experts working on different UV complete approaches to quantum gravity, from string theory to various perturbative and non-perturbative approaches. Given the promising opportunity to probe quantum gravity effects in the very early Universe with future CMB and gravitational wave experiments, we expect the in-depth discussions on predictions and self-consistency of low- energy effective theories on top of cosmological backgrounds.

The meeting will be mainly focused on the following directions:

  • Non-perturbative methods, in application to quantum gravity, such as string theory, amplitudes bootstrap, functional renormalisation group, loop quantum gravity, etc.
  • Quantum gravity effects in the early Universe: inflation, cosmological correlators, non-gaussianities, gravitational waves.
  • EFT of gravity in connection with cosmology and Black Holes.
  • other related topics.

Workshop Website

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CosPA2026 and ACGRG13, July 6-10 2026, Christchurch, New Zealand

The International Symposium on Cosmology and Particle Astrophysics (CosPA2026) and the 13th Australasian Conference on General Relativity and Gravitation (ACGRG13) will be held jointly, bringing together two complementary scientific communities. CosPA2026 is part of an annual conference series organized in the Asia-Pacific region under the Asia Pacific Organization of Cosmology and Particle Astrophysics (APCosPA), while ACGRG13, convened by the Australasian Society for General Relativity and Gravitation, is a biennial forum for regional researchers in all areas gravitational physics from mathematical relativity to experimental gravitational wave detection.

Together, these meetings aim to unite theorists, experimentalists, and observers working across gravitation, particle physics, cosmology, astrophysics, and astroparticle physics. Participants will engage in discussions on the latest observations, theoretical developments, and emerging directions in these intersecting fields.

Key areas of focus include:

  • Classical and Quantum Theories of Gravity
  • Cosmology
  • Radio Astronomy
  • Gravitational Waves
  • Dark Matter
  • Neutrino Physics
  • Relativistic Astrophysics
  • Mathematical and Numerical Relativity

Conference Website

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Assistant Professor in Experimental Cosmology and Gravitational Waves at the University of California, Riverside

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of California invites highly qualified experimental physicists to apply for an academic-year tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level in the fields of Neutrino Physics, Particle Astrophysics, Cosmology and Gravitational Waves. We have recently made new faculty appointments in experimental gravitational waves, experimental dark matter searches, and cosmic microwave background observations. This appointment will complement them. Next review date: Tuesday, Jan 13, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time).  Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

The UC salary consists of a base pay of $80,800 to $104,700 for Assistant Professors and additional off-scale to be commensurate with market value, qualifications and experiences. The off-scale portion of the salary will be maintained as long as satisfactory academic progress is made. Additionally, the off-scale will be maintained subject to market adjustments to the UC salary scale.

Basic qualifications for this position that must be met by the date of application include: Candidates are required to have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in physics or a related field.

Advancement through the faculty ranks at the University of California is through a series of structured, merit-based evaluations, occurring every 2-3 years, each of which includes substantial peer input.

To apply: submit a CV, Cover Letter, Statement of Research, and a Statement of Teaching to https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/apply/JPF02178.

Review of applications will commence on 01/13/2026, and proceed until the anticipated start date of July 1, 2026. For full consideration, applicants should submit their complete applications prior to the above date.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Barry Barish, Chair of the Search Committee, Department of Physics and Astronomy, at barry.barish@ucr.edu. For questions on application procedures and requirements, please contact Ms. Ashleigh Bennett, Academic Personnel, at ashleigh.bennett@ucr.edu.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications(required at time of application)

Candidates are required to have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in physics or a related field.

Preferred qualifications

A commitment to the UCR mission (https://apro.ucr.edu/mission-statement ) is a preferred qualification.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

  • Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Cover Letter
  • Statement of Research
  • Statement of Teaching
  • Misc. /Additional (Optional)

Reference requirements

  • 3-5 letters of reference required

Please provide the contact information for a minimum of three references. A UC Recruit system generated email will be sent to all of your references requesting their letter of recommendation. The confidential reference letters will be part of your application.

Please find here full details.

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GW:UK @ Nottingham, January 15-16 2026

GW:UK@Nottingham is the first meeting of the GW:UK initiative (website). It will bring together researchers from across the UK involved in gravitational wave science to celebrate 10 years of gravitational wave discoveries (day 1) and to engage in community-building activities (day 2).

Due to the nature of this meeting, we will only offer in person participation. Some funding to cover accommodation and travel expenses for UK-based participants is available. There will be a number of slots available for contributed talks, including flash talks. We especially encourage early career researchers to apply for a slot.

To be considered for financial support and a contributed or flash talk, please complete your registration by 16 December.

Conference Website

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42nd Pacific Coast Gravity Meeting – February 27-28, 2026 at UC Riverside

42nd Pacific Coast Gravity Meeting - February 27-28, 2026 at UC Riverside 
The 42nd Jim Isenberg Pacific Coast Gravity Meeting will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 - Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the University of California, Riverside.

In the tradition of the Pacific Coast Gravity Meetings, students and postdocs are strongly encouraged to participate, and all areas of gravitational physics—classical and quantum, theory and experiment—are welcome. We would like this meeting to serve as a communication medium among all branches of gravitational physics. Because this is a regional APS meeting, many participants will be from the Western U.S., but all are welcome.

The meeting is free to attend. There is no registration fee. However, we are not able to provide financial assistance to speakers and participants. A prize sponsored by the APS Division of Gravitational Physics (DGRAV) will be awarded for the best student talk.

Registration

Please register using this registration form. For full consideration, your application should be received by 11:59 PM on February 18, 2025. Late applications will be considered at the discretion of the organizers.

The Pacific Coast Gravity Meeting has grown to the point where we can no longer promise to accommodate all requests to speak. Priority will be given to talks by graduate students and postdocs.

DGRAV Prize

A prize will be awarded for the best talk by a student at the meeting. If you are eligible (i.e., if you are a graduate or undergraduate student), please be sure to indicate that on the registration form. Detailed eligibility criteria can be found here.

Program

Below is the tenative schedule of program events. Assigned talk slots will be posted in late February 2026.

Thursday, February 26

   5:00 PM –     6:00 PM Welcome Reception,  University Lecture Hall (map)

   6:00 PM –     7:00 PM Frontiers of Cosmology Public Lecture,  University Lecture Hall (map)
 Featuring APS President-Elect Brad Marston, with introductory remarks by 2017 Nobel Laureate Barry Barish

Friday, February 27

   9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Session I,  HUB 302 North (map)

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM Coffee Break

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Session II,  HUB 302 North (map)

12:30 PM –    2:00 PM Lunch

   2:00 PM –    3:30 PM Session III,  HUB 302 North (map)

   3:30 PM –    4:00 PM Coffee Break

   4:00 PM –    5:30 PM Session IV,  HUB 302 North (map)

Saturday, February 28

   9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Session V,  HUB 302 North (map)

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM Coffee Break

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Session VI,  HUB 302 North (map)

12:30 PM –    2:00 PM Lunch

   2:00 PM –    3:30 PM Session VII,  HUB 302 North (map)

   3:30 PM –    4:00 PM Coffee Break

   4:00 PM –    5:30 PM Session VIII,  HUB 302 North (map)

Logistics

Meeting Room

The conference will take place in the Highlander Union Building (HUB) in Room 302 North (see this campus map). Room 302 North is located on the third floor of the building (see this building map).

Conference Website