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Author: Marcus Mohring

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Postdoctoral and Assistant Professor Fellowships in Gravitational Physics at NBI Copenhagen

The Center of Gravity at the Niels Bohr Institute invites expressions of interest for Postdoctoral Fellowships in multiple fields related to Gravitational Physics and Gravitational Wave Astrophysics for a fixed period of up to four (3+1) years. Exceptional and highly motivated individuals will also be considered for 5-year Assistant Professorships. The preferred starting date is Fall 2026. Application deadline November 15th 2025.

Postdoctoral Fellows and Assistant Professors at the Center of Gravity at the Niels Bohr Institute have the opportunity to guide more junior fellows, teach courses at various levels, participate in outreach activities, and organize international meetings. Interested individuals are encouraged to upload all material before November 15th, 2025. The search will remain open until completed.

We seek international outstanding individuals eager to join an ambitious research program addressing the physics of black holes, gravitational motion using both advanced quantum field scattering and gravitational self-force techniques, black hole spectroscopy, quantum aspects of spacetime via string theory and holography, and the effect of environments in gravitational wave physics. It further includes the exploration of black holes as engines of discovery, including implications for dark matter physics and connections to particle physics. However, outstanding individuals in complementary fields are also warmly welcomed to upload their material.

This search is part of a vigorous expansion at the Niels Bohr Institute into the field of Gravitational Physics, bringing together several scientists from several areas of theoretical physics and astrophysics, and addressing some of the most burning questions related to gravity. More information can be found on the website: https://the-center-of-gravity.com/

The Center of Gravity (CoG) is a center for new ideas about the foundations of physics. We bring together cutting-edge research in observations of black holes and in the formal theory of relativistic and quantum aspects of gravity, completing the visions of Bohr and Einstein for the gravitational interaction. Our research endeavor spans from data analysis to theoretical disciplines within astrophysics and high-energy physics, and we aim to drive gravitational-wave physics to an exciting future.

We have our physical home in the beautiful and legendary building at Blegdamsvej 17, established by Niels Bohr. This is the place where quantum theory was born and where many exciting new developments in gravity are now taking place. Today, the Niels Bohr Institute carries an important legacy in physics and is one of the leading institutes in theoretical and experimental physics. At the Center of Gravity, we hope to carry on the pioneering spirit that has defined our predecessors at the Niels Bohr Institute through trailblazing and fundamental research.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes all qualified individuals regardless of personal background. Postdoctoral Fellows at the University of Copenhagen receive a competitive salary (including pension) and funds for travel and computing. Generous parental leave, state-subsidized childcare, vacation, and full medical care are provided to employees in Denmark. A favorable tax scheme is generally granted to international researchers.

Please find here full details.

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Call of interest for postdocs at SISSA, Trieste

The gravitational-wave physics group at SISSA (Trieste, Italy) invites expressions of interest for several postdoctoral research positions on the following topics: numerical-relativity simulations; environmental effects for binary systems; gravitational-wave data analysis and machine learning; waveform modeling. The positions will start in the fall of 2026 and will be for two years, with possible extension conditional on satisfactory performance. These positions will be part of the GWSKy ERC synergy project.

Applications should consist of a cover letter, a CV, a publication list, a research statement and three reference letters, and should be received by December 19th to receive full consideration.

Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:

  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Research statement
  • Publication list
  • Three reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site help popup)

And anything else requested in the position description.

Please find here details.

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ETpathfinder Visiting Scientists Programme Open For Applications

The ETpathfinder Visiting Scientists Programme provides funding to welcome researchers and engineers to our ETpathfinder R&D facility in Maastricht, the Netherlands. This program is designed for senior scientists and engineers, postdoctoral researchers and experienced PhD students who wish to engage with cutting-edge interferometric technology while contributing their expertise to advance our experimental capabilities.

ETpathfinder serves as a R&D fieldlab facility for developing technologies that will enable future -generation gravitational wave detectors, such as Einstein Telescope. Our research focuses on high-precision interferometry with cryogenic silicon test masses, seismic isolation systems, optics, photonics, quantum noise reduction, controls and environmental monitoring as well as on engineering, systems engineering, integration and cleanliness aspects.

For any questions or enquiries, please contact us via etpf-visiting-scientist-prog(at)nikhef.nl

Applications can be submitted via this webpage.

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Postdoctoral positions in Gravitational-Wave Physics and Astrophysics at the Max Planck Institute 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 announces the opening of several postdoctoral appointments, which will be available at different levels, depending on experience and seniority, and can last from 2 to 5 years. We also have openings as part of the ERC-Synergy Grant  “Making Sense of the Unexpected in the Gravitational-Wave Sky”, one opening as part of the Simons Collaboration on Black Holes and Strong Gravity, and one opening for a postdoctoral position as part of the Center of Gravity. For the latter, the successful candidate will spend the first two years at the AEI and the subsequent two years at the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen. The ACR department also offers Max Planck Fellowships to non-German scientists. Information on those fellowships and explanations on how to apply are summarized here. We are particularly interested in hiring creative and highly motivated candidates who are at ease working both collaboratively and independently in a vibrant, interdisciplinary, and synergistic group.

The ACR department, led by Alessandra Buonanno, is composed of about 45 scientists, including three permanent research group leaders, Jonathan Gair, Harald Pfeiffer and Jan Steinhoff, and the five-year research group leader Miguel Zumalacarregui. The department also hosts several long and short-term visitors, and has ties with the Physics Department at the University of Maryland, the Humboldt University in Berlin, and the University of Potsdam.

The ACR department is interested in  many aspects of gravitational-wave astronomy, including (i) analytical modeling of gravitational dynamics and radiation (effective field theory, post-Newtonian and post-Minkowskian expansions, gravitational self-force approach, perturbation theory and effective-one-body formalism), (ii) numerical relativity, most notably simulations in vacuum of compact objects on bound and unbound orbits in general relativity and alternative gravity theories, (iii) observation (including searches and detector characterization) and interpretation of data from gravitational-wave detectors on the ground (LIGO, Virgo, KAGRA, Cosmic Explorer, Einstein Telescope) and in space (LISA), (iv)  techniques for the acceleration of gravitational-wave inference, including machine learning, (v) astrophysics of compact objects and bi-nary’s formation scenarios, (vi) cosmography with gravitational waves (including dark energy, dark matter, gravitational lensing), and (vii) tests of gravity in the strong-field and highly dynamical regimes.

The ACR department participates in many international collaborations: the Simulating extreme Spacetimes Collaboration (SXS), the LIGO Scientific Collaboration (LSC),  the Einstein Telescope (ET) Collaboration, the LISA Consortium, and the LISA Distributed Data Processing Centre (DDPC), where our department plays a leading role in waveform generation and the global fit deep analysis.

Currently, the ACR department operates a high-performance compute cluster, Urania, with ~6,050 cores, a high-throughput compute cluster, Hypatia, with ~12,000 cores, and two servers, Saraswati and Lakshmi, each with 8 A100 GPUs. Those clusters are in the process of being extended. They are used to run numerical-relativity simulations of gravitational-wave sources, and to carry out source modeling and data-analysis studies for current and future gravitational-wave detectors.

To apply, please submit your application via our job portal 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 (excluding references). 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 @ aei.mpg.de.

Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline for full consideration is November 25, 2025, including reception of reference letters. The anticipated start date of the positions is Fall 2026. 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). A projection of the gross and net salary based on the TVöD regulations will be prepared in case an offer is made.

The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to provide 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 individual. 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, as well as an in-house parent-child office and nursing room.

For further information please contact acr-jobs @ aei.mpg.de.

Please find here details.

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GW-EM-Nu-2025: Multi-Messenger Science With Indian Facilities-Now and in the Next Decade, December 1-3 2025 at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research

This year marks the 10-years of discovery of Gravitational Waves, which has opened a new window for multi-messenger science. The era of multi-messenger science using signals from astrophysical sources observed in different cosmic messengers such as Cosmic Rays (CRs), Electromagnetic Waves (EW), Gravitational Waves (GW), and Neutrinos opens a new paradigm in understanding the physics governing the Universe over different length scales from the size of a nucleus to the size of the observable Universe. The success of this research frontier relies on the coordinated observation between different existing telescopes/observatories which are observing in different messengers and also on building the next generation telescopes/observatories that can jointly observe signals using different cosmic messengers in the coming years in the frequency range (or energy band) which are of scientific interests based on our theoretical understanding of these astrophysical sources.

This conference plans to bring researchers from India working in different areas–instrumentation and theory on the same platform to discuss (i) the requirements and challenges in coordinated observations with existing Indian facilities between different messengers, (ii) key areas of development of telescope facilities and theoretical predictions for enhancing the scientific outcome, (iii) the roadmap for joint observations using multiple telescopes, and (iv) plan for strategically important future telescopes/observatories which will enhance multi-messenger science from India.

Conference Website

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The School on Gravity: from motion to commotion, June 22-26 2026 at NBI Copenhagen

Understanding the gravitational interaction is one of the great scientific endeavors of the 21st century. The Nobel Prize-winning discovery of gravitational waves in 2015, and subsequent detections by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration, have marked a revolutionary step forward in physics and astrophysics by opening an entirely new window for exploring the Universe. Future upgrades to these detectors, along with upcoming facilities such as LISA and the Einstein Telescope, promise even more breakthrough discoveries that the next generation of scientists will need to interpret.

The School on Gravity (22–26 June 2026, Copenhagen) will introduce junior scientists—graduate students and advanced undergraduates with a background in general relativity—to a wide range of foundational topics in the exciting new field of gravitational wave physics. Topics will span from the theory of motion, to new challenges introduced by quantum physics, to the astrophysics of black holes and source modeling for gravitational-wave detectors.

The School on Gravity will take place in the legendary Auditorium A of the Niels Bohr Institute, inviting students and lecturers to challenge current paradigms in gravitational physics in the spirit of the quantum revolution that unfolded in this very room.

The members of the Scientific Organizing Committee for the School of Gravity are Vitor Cardoso (Director of CoG), Emil Bjerrum-Bohr, Jose Ezquiaga, Troels Harmark, Niels Obers, Marta Orselli, Alessia Platania, Johan Samsing, Maarten van de Meent, Ziqi Yan.

The local organizing committee is composed of Vitor Cardoso and Jose Ezquiaga.

School Website

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PhD Position in Gravitational Waves Physics at IFAE Barcelona

IFAE is an internationally recognized center for fundamental research in Particle Physics, Astroparticle Physics, and Cosmology. Its main mission is to advance these fields through theoretical, experimental, and technological research. IFAE offers an international, dynamic, and competitive environment for the training of young researchers. IFAE has been accredited three times with the “Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence” distinction, most recently for the 2025-2029 period.

About the IFAE Gravitational Waves group
The detection of GWs from a black hole binary merger by LIGO in 2015 started a new era in the exploration of the universe. The addition of the Virgo antenna into the network led in 2017 to the detection of a neutron star binary merger that could be followed in electromagnetic signals, representing the beginning of multi-messenger astronomy. At the moment, LIGO and Virgo observation plans extend until 2030 with upgraded detectors. At the same time, work is beginning on the development of the third generation of detectors which will offer an order of magnitude increase in sensitivity.

The ET project, a third-generation experiment to be realized in Europe, has been included in the 2021 EU ESFRI roadmap and has recently entered into the preparatory phase. CE is the planned US contribution to the third-generation GW network, with significant funding from the US NSF and the UK’s STFC for design studies.

IFAE is a member institution of the LVK collaboration. A group of researchers from IFAE has taken significant responsibilities in the Virgo experiment related to the control of the stray light inside the experiment, which is considered a limiting factor for its sensitivity. The group plays an important role in the commissioning, operations and upgrade of the interferometer. For the latter, IFAE is leading the construction of new baffles instrumented with photo sensors around the test masses.

IFAE is actively participating in ET, coordinates the EU Horizon INFRA-DEV project for the ET preparatory phase, and has central responsibilities in the design of the stray light control systems. In addition, IFAE is deeply involved in the detector R&D and optical simulation activities of ET and CE. IFAE works with CERN in the design of the ET vacuum pipes.

The IFAE research program spans many topics in astrophysics and cosmology using LIGO-Virgo data. This includes searches for compact binary coalescence events and determining their mass/spin spectrum, for primordial black holes as candidates for dark matter, and for axion-like signals in continuous GW signals. We perform tests of exotic models for Gravity beyond General Relativity, and cosmological measurements using GWs such as Hubble constant and probes of inflation and phase transitions in the early universe. We are developing new data analysis methods like the use of deep learning and the use of robust statistics. This work is naturally extended to studying physics prospects for the next generation of detectors.

IFAE is supported by its own PIC computing center, a Tier1 LHC center fully integrated into the LIGO/Virgo distributed computing network. IFAE is in a privileged position to analyze the LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA data and, in collaboration with IFAE’s teams in CTA/MAGIC and Observational Cosmology, to fully profit from a multi-messenger approach.

As a PhD student in our group, you will get involved in one of the group’s detector-related activities including LV data characterization, optical simulation studies, or the active monitoring of the stray light inside the LV optical cavities with new photo sensors in an ultra-high vacuum environment. You will also be deeply involved in the physics analysis of the LIGO-Virgo data, in one or more of the subjects described above. In addition, and within the framework of IFAE’s GW research activities, you will be offered significant training and networking opportunities, including extended stays of research in top-level international research centres in Europe and USA.

Required skills and evaluation criteria

To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet the requirements for enrollment in the UAB doctoral program for the 2025/2026 academic year. Key requirements include:

  • Holding a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics or a related field.
  • Holding a Master’s degree in Physics, Astrophysics, or a related field, which must be completed by the contract start date.
  • Basic knowledge on Gravitation.
  • We are looking for candidates with a strong background in physics, a pro-active attitude and good communication skills. While not mandatory, previous experience in programming (especially Python or C++), data analysis. Previous experience in Gravitational Wave physics and related technologies will be appreciated.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

The process of evaluation and selection guarantees the principles of open competition, publicity and transparency, according to the following criteria:

  • University Records: 50 points
  • Computing Skills: 20 points
  • Experience on physics analysis: 20 points
  • Communication skills in English: 10 points

A Selection Committee will evaluate the received applications. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to give a brief online presentation, followed by a Q&A with the committee.

Offered contract

  • Full-time contract (40 h/week)
  • Predoctoral contract; 4 years
  • The position will correspond to a PhD student.
  • Salary will be proportional to experience and qualifications within the corresponding category range.
  • Work with interesting experimental science. Opportunity to gain first-hand learning experience.
  • Personal growth, innovation and learning every day.
  • The selected candidate is expected to join the IFAE as soon as possible.

Application and Selection process

Applicants should have a Master Degree in Physics and provide a motivation letter, a CV and full University Records (transcripts of Bachelor’s and Master’s studies), and arrange for one or two letters of reference, sent to alundgren(at)ifae.es , mmp(at)ifae.es and rrhh(at)ifae.es and including in the subject “IFAE2025/33_GW_SO_PhDStudent”.

All applications received within one month of the opening date will receive full consideration. Sending CVs to the above addresses implies consent to the IFAE’s legal warning on data privacy. For further information please contact: Prof. Andrew Lundgren (alundgren(at)ifae.es ) Prof. Mario Martínez (mmp(at)ifae.es )

Please find here full details.

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School on Gravity, Niels Bohr Institute, June 22-26 2026

Understanding the gravitational interaction is one of the great scientific endeavors of the 21st century. The Nobel Prize-winning discovery of gravitational waves in 2015, and subsequent detections by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration, have marked a revolutionary step forward in physics and astrophysics by opening an entirely new window for exploring the Universe. Future upgrades to these detectors, along with upcoming facilities such as LISA and the Einstein Telescope, promise even more breakthrough discoveries that the next generation of scientists will need to interpret.

The School on Gravity (22–26 June 2026, Copenhagen) will introduce junior scientists—graduate students and advanced undergraduates with a background in general relativity—to a wide range of foundational topics in the exciting new field of gravitational wave physics. Topics will span from the theory of motion, to new challenges introduced by quantum physics, to the astrophysics of black holes and source modeling for gravitational-wave detectors.

The program is as follows:

Lectures on Black Holes and Neutron Stars (how, when and where they are born, how they spin, how many, when do they merge, how many merge).
Lecturer: Lieke van Son (Radboud University)

Lectures on Motion (the two body problem in General Relativity).
Lecturer: Julio Parra Martinez (IHES)

Lectures on Completing Einstein (why does General Relativity need completion, what type of effects should we be on look out for, where would they manifest themselves).
Lecturer: Gustavo Turiaci (U. Washington, Seattle)

Lectures on Environments (which type of environments, how do they affect strong field gravity, how do we model them, impact on gravitational wave signals).
Lecturer: Laura Sberna (Nottingham University)

Please apply at: https://the-center-of-gravity.com/events/the-school-on-gravity-from-motion-to-commotion-2026/

We require submission of a single pdf file containing a two-page CV, up to half a page motivation letter, and a signed support letter from an advisor on letterhead.

Deadline: February 01, 2026.

The number of seats is limited, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

The School on Gravity will take place in the legendary Auditorium A of the Niels Bohr Institute, inviting students and lecturers to challenge current paradigms in gravitational physics in the spirit of the quantum revolution that unfolded in this very room. This is the first of a series of annual school organized by the Center of Gravity (CoG).

The members of the Scientific Organizing Committee for the School of Gravity are Vitor Cardoso (Director of CoG), Emil Bjerrum-Bohr, Jose Ezquiaga, Troels Harmark, Niels Obers, Marta Orselli, Alessia Platania, Johan Samsing, Maarten van de Meent, Ziqi Yan.

Local Organizing Committee: Vitor Cardoso and Jose Ezquiaga

Contact: sog(at)the-center-of-gravity.com

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Weinberg fellowships in gravitation, multi-messenger astrophysics and AI/ML

The Center for Gravitational Physics (CGP) within the Weinberg Institute at the University of Texas at Austin invites applicants for multiple Weinberg Institute Postdoctoral Fellowships. These are full-time postdoctoral positions starting in September 2026.

This position is open to candidates in gravitational-wave physics, astrophysics and data analysis, especially in (but not limited to) the areas of:

(1) Cosmological inference with gravitational-wave observations
(2) Applications of AI/ML techniques broadly to astrophysics, cosmology or gravitational wave data analysis
(3) Nuclear astrophysics with gravitational-wave observations
(4) Gravitational-wave multimessenger astrophysics
(5) Numerical simulations of compact binaries

Applicants must submit a cover letter (no more than 1 page), CV, list of publications, a short statement of research interests (no more than 3 pages in length) and arrange to have at least three letters of reference uploaded to AJO. Applications are due November 21, 2025. The completion of a PhD is required prior to the beginning of this appointment. The initial appointment is for two years, with the possibility of extension to a third year subject to available funding and research performance.

Inquiries may be sent to Profs. Hsin-Yu Chen (hsinyu(at)austin.utexas.edu) or Jay Wadekar (jay.wadekar(at)utexas.edu).

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Save the Date: Black Holes Inside and Out 2027 (BHIO27): August 23-27 2027

The conference Black Holes Inside and Out 2027 (BHIO27) will take place at Sapienza University of Rome from August 23 to August 27, 2027.

This event follows the highly successful 2024 edition [https://strong-gr.com/black-holes-inside-and-out/], which brought together leading experts in black hole physics, including astrophysics and observational astronomy, cosmology, data analysis, mathematical and numerical relativity, perturbation theory, and quantum gravity, to discuss the state of the field and its future directions.

Preparations for the 2027 edition are underway, so please save the date! A webpage with all relevant information is under development and will be announced in early 2026.

We would greatly value your input regarding potential topics and speakers for this edition. To contribute suggestions, please fill out the following form: https://forms.gle/po4h8ifWm3LhvyTs7.

We particularly encourage suggestions outside your main areas of expertise, especially if motivated by an interest in learning more about developments in other branches of black hole physics.

Further information about the conference will be shared in the coming months.

The BHIO27 Scientific Organizing Committee

Luca Buoninfante, Raúl Carballo-Rubio, Vitor Cardoso, Francesco Di Filippo, Astrid Eichhorn, Paolo Pani