Category: News

The South Texas Space Science Institute (STSSI) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) in Brownsville, TX announces the opening of one postdoctoral appointment in space science research, broadly defined. The successful candidate is expected to actively contribute to and expand the current research activities at UTRGV in space science technology development, gravitational-wave (GW) astronomy, optical and radio astronomy, or experimental GW detector development. The STSSI is an interdisciplinary institute with active research in various areas of space and astrophysical science (https://www.utrgv.edu/stssi/). We are particularly interested in hiring creative and motivated candidates who are at ease working both collaboratively and independently in a vibrant, interdisciplinary and synergistic group.

Specifically, we are looking for the strongest possible candidate to collaborate on research projects with members of STSSI in the areas of gravitational-wave astronomy (data analysis or source modeling), optical and radio astronomy, experimental GW detector development, or technology development with space applications. Current experimental research areas within STSSI include phased array development (with applications in spacecraft communication and radio astronomy); testing of materials, electronics, and systems in a simulated space environment; and laser systems for space communication, precision metrology, and gravity gradiometry (including applications for space and ground-based gravitational-wave detectors).

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Physics or a related field, and a strong interest in leading research efforts as part of STSSI. The postdoc will also have ample opportunity to assist in the supervision of undergraduate and graduate students involved in STSSI research projects.

Appointment is for 2 years with annual renewal contingent upon satisfactory progress and funding status. The anticipated start date of the positions is either Summer or Fall 2026. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Interested candidates should apply through the job portal (posting number SRGV8615): https://careers.utrgv.edu/postings/49123

Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and research statement in job portal.

Applicants should also arrange to have three letters of recommendation emailed directly to Dr. Joseph Romano at joseph.romano@utrgv.edu prior to the application deadline.

Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline for full consideration is set for December 15, 2025. This deadline may be subject to extension, if necessary.

For all application related questions, please contact Dr. Joseph Romano at joseph.romano(at)utrgv.edu.

Review of applications will start January 15, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

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Two Postdoc Positions on Gravitational Waves Physics at IFAE
IFAE welcomes applications from outstanding candidates for two postdoctoral positions. Application deadline on December 7th, 2025.

Position 1.

The successful candidate is expected to have:

• PhD Physics Internationally recognized experience on research using the LIGO-Virgo data.
• Experience developing pipelines and code for gravitational-wave searches and/or parameter estimation Knowledge of advanced Bayesian methods and samplers, machine learning approaches to signal processing; additionally other methods such as simulation-based inference
• Good computing skills in python and good communication skills in English.

What will be your role?

The candidate will be expected to play a central role in the group’s activities in both data analysis and detector characterization. The candidate will implement new methods for compact binary searches and/or parameter estimation, including the use of machine learning/AI. This work will incorporate more realistic models of detector behavior and noise including glitches and non-stationarity in order to make robust detection of new physics. The candidate will be also expected to contribute to existing LVK data analysis and physics efforts (such as populations, PBH, testing GR, or others), including supervising students.

Applications should be submitted through Academic Jobs, including an up-to-date CV with full university records, a motivation letter, and two letters of reference.

https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31123

Position 2.

The successful candidate is expected to have:

• Physics PHD Internationally recognized experience on research using the LIGO-Virgo data
• Experience with optical simulation software used in gravitational-waves like Finesse, SIS, and others; knowledge of commercial codes like Zemax are a plus.
• Experience with electronics or hardware development, or commissioning of gravitational-wave detectors, is desirable.
• Good computing skills in python and good communication skills in English.

What will be your role?

The candidate will be expected to play a central role in the group’s detector-related activities including LIGO-Virgo detector characterization, optical simulation studies for stray light modeling in existing and future ground-based detectors, and the active monitoring of the stray light inside the optical cavities with new photo sensors in an ultra-high vacuum environment. The candidate will be also expected to contribute to existing LVK data analysis and physics efforts, including supervising students.

Applications should be submitted through Academic Jobs, including an up-to-date CV with full university records, a motivation letter, and two letters of reference.

https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31125

About IFAE

The Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) is a public consortium of the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Autonomous Government of Catalonia, and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB, a public university) whose main objective is to carry out research and to contribute to the development of high energy physics from a theoretical, experimental and technological point of view. IFAE has the status of a “University Institute” attached to the UAB and its premises are within the campus of the University.

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, and for primordial black holes and axion-like particles as candidates for dark matter. 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.

For further information please contact: Prof. Mario Martínez (mmp(at)ifae.es ) & Prof. Andrew Lundgren (alundgren(at)ifae.es)

The theory group of IFAE (Barcelona, Spain) at the UAB Campus (Barcelona), invites Expressions of Interest for a postdoctoral research position in theoretical developments for searches of high-frequency gravitational waves. The appointment will be for a full-time position of two to three years. The position can start in Fall 2026. The application deadline will be December 31st, 2025.

This position will be funded by the ERC-2024-SyG GravNet 101167211 (GravNet: A Global Network for the Search for High Frequency Gravitational Waves). GravNet will be dedicated to optimize the searches of high-frequency gravitational waves in a network of electromagnetic cavities, or other set-ups to be conceived during the project. All aspects, from source characterization, response of detectors, network distribution to sensing strategies (in particular leveraging quantum sensing) will be revised, with the goal of building the most precise detector to high frequency gravitational waves in the near future.

GravNet is led by PIs Diego Blas (IFAE/ICREA, Barcelona), Dima Budker (U. Mainz), Claudio Gatti (LNF, Italy) and Matthias Schott (U. Bonn, Germany; leading PI). The successful candidates will join the GravNet-IFAE group, in charge of developing and optimizing all theoretical aspects of the proposal. This includes the complete modeling and simulation of the response of the detectors to gravitational waves of different sources, generating realistic sensitivity calculations and exploring different network configurations. These results will be used to design the best strategy for GravNet to detect high-frequency gravitational waves. Other detection strategies will also be explored.

The candidates should have research expertise in Theoretical Physics, and experience in theoretical work dealing with searches of BSM physics or gravitational waves physics in laboratory set-ups (in particular with quantum sensing techniques) is particularly welcome. The successful candidate will be part of the Beyond the Standard Model and Astroparticle Physics and Cosmology groups of IFAE (https://www.ifae.es/groups/theory/). The staff members of the group are D. Blas, E. Masso, A. Pomarol, O. Pujolas, F. Rompineve, E. Salvioni, M. Quiros and A. Wulzer.

Candidates should include a CV, a statement of research interests, a publication list (with the URL of the INSPIRE-HEP or another similar repository in the first line) all in PDF format, and 3 Reference Letters to be submitted through the portal:

https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31132

The candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their scientific research excellence and adequacy to the project. Applicants should have a PhD in Physics or related topics by the start of the contract.

The application deadline will be December 31st, 2025. The acceptance deadline for the selected candidates will be set in agreement with the “High-Energy Theory Postdoc Deadline Accord”.

About IFAE The Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) is a public consortium of the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Autonomous Government of Catalonia, and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB, a public university) whose main objective is to carry out research and to contribute to the development of high-energy physics from a theoretical, experimental, and technological point of view. IFAE has the status of a “University Institute” attached to the UAB, and its premises are within the campus of the University.

Sending applications implies the candidate’s consent to IFAE to treat their provided personal data according to the current Spanish and European data protection regulations. IFAE is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace and social integration of people with a disability. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. People from groups that are typically underrepresented in the labour market in general, and in Science and Engineering in particular, such as women, minorities, or people with a disability, are particularly encouraged to apply.

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Several postdoctoral positions will be available in ICTP's High Energy, Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics (HECAP) section with an expected starting date in October 2026. Appointments will be for 2+1 years.

Postdocs working on cosmology and astroparticle physics will also participate in the initiatives of the IFPU (Institute for the Fundamental Physics of the Universe), a collaboration between ICTP, the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), the Trieste Observatory and INFN. HECAP members are currently working on: String theory including D-branes, Black Holes, Gauge/string theory duality, Phenomenological String theory/M-theory; Particle Phenomenology including Physics beyond the Standard Model, Dark Matter, Axions, Higgs and Collider physics, Neutrino physics and astrophysics; Cosmology including Large Scale Structures, Physics of the Early Universe, Present Acceleration; Topological field theories and Localization.

The section presently comprises 8 staff members, 5 emeritus scientists, 15 postdoctoral researchers, a number of associated faculty members from other institutions as well a up to 200 short/long-term visitors per year. Further information can be found at https://www.ictp.it/hecap/people There is also a close collaborations between ICTP scientists and SISSA, the Departments of Theoretical Physics of the Trieste University, the Trieste section of the INFN, the Trieste Observatory and the University of Udine. HECAP is also actively involved in the ATLAS experiment at the CERN LHC.

Each application should include: Curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, publication list, and three letters of recommendation. For full consideration applications should be sent by 15 December 2025. The ICTP takes seriously its commitment to equal opportunity and diversity in hiring, and its global mission to promote science in the developing world.

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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

Applications are due November 21, 2025.

One of the research opportunities will be to collaborate with incoming Prof. Jay Wadekar. This is open to candidates with a general background in data-driven analysis or AI/ML techniques in any domain, but who are interested in applying their skills to gravitational-waves, astrophysics or cosmology. UT Austin hosts the NSF-Simons Cosmic AI Institute and fellows will benefit from collaborations with its members.

Fellows will also generally have the opportunity to conduct independent research and to collaborate with all the faculty of the CGP (Hsin-Yu Chen, Jay Wadekar, Pablo Laguna, Richard Matzner, Deirdre Shoemaker and Aaron Zimmerman). Fellows will benefit from collaboration with other faculty, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students at the CGP and within the larger Weinberg Institute. Professors Chen, Shoemaker and Zimmerman are members of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, and a successful candidate will have the opportunity to join or continue membership in these collaborations. Fellows will also benefit from interactions with members of the Weinberg Theory Group, the Department of Astronomy, Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and use resources from the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC).

Successful candidates will also benefit from living in Austin, a large city known for a thriving live music scene, artistic culture, and great food. It is widely regarded as the “live music capital of the world” and an overall great city to live and work in.

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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