Skip to content

Category: News

Posted on

YOUNGST@RS – Lost in Translation: The languages of Gravitational Waves, January 19-21 2026 at University of Mainz

In recent years, the modelling of gravitational wave sources has become a cornerstone of theoretical and numerical relativity. Multiple communities—working with distinct formalisms such as Self-Force, Effective One Body (EOB), Effective Field Theory (EFT) and post-Newtonian approximations—have developed powerful tools to describe the two-body problem with increasing precision. Each of these approaches is advanced enough to come with its own set of language, notation, conceptual framework, and computational tools.

The workshop aims to bridge this gap and bring these communities closer together. This will be done by providing a mix of beginner friendly lectures, hands on coding sessions, plenary overviews together with state of the art research talks for each of the fields.

Workshp Website

Posted on

Postdoc position in the Relativistic Astrophysics Group in Prague

The Astronomical Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences invites applications for a postdoc position in the Relativistic Astrophysics Group (astro.cas.cz/people) at the Prague section of the Institute. The appointment will initially be for 1 year, with a possible extension to 2 years. The anticipated start date is early Spring 2026, though this remains flexible and subject to negotiation.

We seek candidates with a strong background in one or more of the following areas: black hole physics, black hole perturbation theory and quasinormal modes, quantum or modified theories of gravity, gravitational-wave theory, and application of machine learning or advanced computational methods to theoretical physics.

The successful candidate will conduct systematic research into black hole ringdown within realistic astrophysical environments. Key objectives include comparing the environmental signatures against modified gravity theories and evaluating their observational prospects.

Application Requirements: Please submit the following documents in one pdf:

  1. Curriculum Vitae,
  2. full list of publications,
  3. Research Statement (max. 3 pages) detailing past achievements and how your expertise would benefit the position.

Please arrange for two or three letters of recommendation to be sent directly by the referees to the email address listed below.

  • Closing date: Please ensure all materials, including recommendation letters, are submitted by January 26, 2026, to receive full consideration.
  • Applications should be sent to: sekretariat (at) asu.cas.cz
  • CC to: kotlarik (at) asu.cas.cz
  • Subject: “LUC25 postdoc – Prague”

Candidates must hold a PhD in theoretical physics, astrophysics, or a closely related field by the start of the appointment. A necessary condition for the appointment is satisfying the legal requirements for employment in the Czech Republic. For informal inquiries, please get in touch with Petr Kotlařík at the email address: kotlarik (at) asu.cas.cz.

Receipt of all applications will be acknowledged via email. Shortlisted candidates will be notified following the conclusion of the selection process.

Please find here full details.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

Faculty position in GRAPPA Center of Excellence at University of Amsterdam

The Gravitation and Astroparticle Physics Amsterdam (GRAPPA) Centre of Excellence at The University of Amsterdam is seeking to hire one assistant/associate professor in the area of gravitational-wave and multi-messenger astrophysics. We are especially interested in excellent candidates that can strengthen our connection to current and future gravitational-wave, neutrino, and electromagnetic observatories. The search is primarily focused on hiring at the junior level, but candidates at a more senior level (tenured/associate professors) will also be considered. We have a strong preference for a staff member who enhances the diversity of our staff and will prioritize applicants from members of underrepresented groups. Application deadline: January 31st 2026.

What you’ll be doing

You are going to drive an excellent research program, teach in the BSc and MSc programs, and become an active member of GRAPPA. Tasks and responsibilities include:

  • conducting independent research in multimessenger astrophysics, resulting in academic publications in peer-reviewed international journals
  • actively pursuing external funding for research
  • actively contributing to and developing national and international research networks and other forms of cooperation
  • actively contributing to the research activities of GRAPPA
  • developing, coordinating and teaching courses in the BSc and MSc programmes
  • supervising Bachelor and Master students and co-supervising PhD students
  • actively contributing to the development and improvement of the broader teaching programmes in the department
  • taking part in committees and working groups

What we’re looking for

Your experience and profile:

  • a relevant PhD degree and preferably postdoctoral experience;
  • excellent research skills, evidenced by a track record of publications in renowned international journals, and talks at international conferences/workshops;
  • excellent didactic abilities; an affinity for teaching at Bachelor and Master level;
  • preferably experience with the (co-)supervision of BSc, MSc and/or PhD students;
  • (the ability to develop) the management skills required for general academic administration, organisation and coordination tasks;
  • potential to attract external funding;
  • excellent communication skills;
  • good command of English and willingness to learn the Dutch language via a supported learning trajectory (B2 requirement after 5 years).

What we’re offering you

Start dates are negotiable. The position will be filled at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor, depending on qualifications. For exceptionally experienced and qualified candidates, appointment starting as Full Professor could be considered.

The starting salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and depending on experience and qualifications. It will range from a minimum of € 4,728 gross per month up to a maximum of € 7,297 gross per month (Assistant Professor, salary scale 11-12), based on full-time employment. This is excluding 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Your application & contact

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the apply button. We accept applications until and including 31 January 2026. However, the vacancy will remain open for applications until the selection process is complete. Interviews will be scheduled in the period February-March 2026.

If you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

Dr Ben Freivogel (b.w.freivogel(at)uva.nl) for science questions. Direct any other questions to Dr Joost van Mameren (j.vanmameren(at)uva.nl), institute manager at the Institute of Physics.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

  • A detailed CV, including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
  • A letter of motivation;
  • A list of publications;
  • Teaching statement: a maximum of 2 pages. Please summarize your teaching experience and, if applicable, highlight any concrete examples of actions you have taken relating to inclusive teaching/research student supervision;
  • Research statement: a maximum of 3 pages. Please comment on future research directions as well as your previous accomplishments;
  • The names and email addresses of at least three references who can provide letters of recommendation.

Please find here full details.

Posted on

Postdoctoral Researcher (GW Optics) in the ETpathfinder Smart Skills Lab in Gent

Are you interested in technology and techniques which allow us to observe black holes colliding a million light years out in the cosmos? We are looking for a postdoc to work on the cross section of research, education and collaboration with industry and join the ETpathfinder Smart Skills Lab project. The deadline for applications is 31 January 2026.

ETpathfinder is a field laboratory for research, development and validation of new technologies for the Einstein Telescope. Based on a full interferometer configuration ETpathfinder aims to perform length measurements at the level of a thousandths of a proto diameter, which requires going beyond the state of art in a variety of fields including optics, sensors, lasers, materials, cryogenic cooling, vibration damping, vacuum and controls.  

The ETpathfinder Smart Skills lab is a new initiative with the aim of providing training to companies and industry partners in ETpathfinder related technologies and skills. These skill trainings will be offered in particular to small and medium enterprises (SME) in Flanders and the south of the Netherlands (Limburg and Noord Brabant). The ETpathfinder Smart Skills lab is an initiative of 17 academic and educational partners from the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. 

Job description

  • You would join a cohort of 11 ETpathfinder Technology Experts who will initially work for 12 months with the ETpathfinder team to get trained in the ETpathfinder facility at Maastricht. Afterwards you will develop training modules and deliver them (online & practical) to SMEs.   
  • You will work in close collaboration with the ETpathfinder team (consisting of more than 20 research institutes and universities from 7 countries) and the ETpathfinder Smart Skills Lab team.  
  • The location of this full-time job is in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ghent University, Proeftuinstraat 86, 9000 Ghent Belgium. You will be expected to spend a significant fraction of your time at the ETpathfinder facility in Maastricht (Maastricht University, Duboisdomein 30, Maastricht, the Netherlands).  
  • Your research focus will be on optics, which is also the primary commitment of Ghent University towards the ETpathfinder project.

Requirements

  • PhD degree in physics or a related field (essential) 
  • Proficient in English language and good communication skills (essential) 
  • You can work independently (essential) 
  • You are flexible in collaboration with others (essential) 
  • Experience in research relevant for gravitational wave instrumentation (desirable) 
  • Experience in education and outreach (desirable) 

What we offer

We offer a challenging and varied job in an innovative and international environment as a 1+1 year full-time employment contract as postdoctoral researcher. Intended start date is 01 April 2026, which can be delayed if necessary.

Employer

Ghent University

Ghent University (UGent) is a premier university in Belgium founded in 1817. It offers more than 200 study programmes and conducts in-depth research within a wide range of scientific domains. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision daily. It has 11 faculties and more than 80 departments grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields. Our credo is “Dare to Think”.

Faculty of Sciences

The Faculty of Sciences currently consists of 12 departments spread over mathematical and physical sciences, chemistry, biology, geology, and geography. It positions itself as an international knowledge hub in the natural sciences focused on groundbreaking and independent research and future-proof education. Our vision is to connect scientists with society, foster sustainable change, and create impactful innovations. Our motto, “Innovation Starts with Science(s)”, reflects this ambition.

Research Group

The Ghent Gravity Group carries out research in gravitational waves. Members of the group are involved with Virgo instrumentation, LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA data analysis, and Observational Science with the Einstein Telescope. Ghent University is a founding partner of theETPathfinder project, and members of the group take part in the instrumentation developments related to this facility in Maastricht. Ghent University is also one of the initial founding research units of the Einstein Telescope Collaboration. Instrumentation activities of the group are currently overseen by Dr. Daniela Pascucci <daniela.pascucci(at)ugent.be>. The group is hosted in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and integrated into a broader research group working on Experimental Particle Physics and Gravity.

How to apply?

The deadline for applications is 31 January 2026, but the position will remain available until filled. Applications should be sent by email to gravity(at)ugent.beand should include: (i) a motivation letter, (ii) an academic CV, (iii) a description of past research, and additionally (iv) threeletters of reference (to be sent directly by the referees to the address above).

For more information about the position, please contact Archisman Ghosh <archisman.ghosh(at)ugent.be>

Posted on

Strategic Program Officer at EGO, Cascina, Italy

The European Gravitational Observatory (EGO) is seeking a Strategic Program Officer to play a pivotal role in advancing the mission, coordination, and governance of EGO and VirgoLab. This position is designed for a professional who combines analytical insight, policy awareness, and institutional coordination skills to actively support and guide decision-making processes at the highest levels of EGO’s and Virgo’s organizational structure. Expected Start Date: 31 March 2027. Start reviewing expressions of interest on 24/11/2025 untill 31/01/2026.

As the liaison among these bodies, the Program Officer will act as the main point of contact between the EGO Council—the governing body that oversees EGO’s operations—and the EGO Directorate and VirgoLab Executive Board. The Program Officer is responsible for overseeing the implementation of EGO Council decisions, facilitating transparent communication among all governance structures, and ensuring structured reporting to the EGO Council. This role is critical to translating strategic direction into coordinated action, reinforcing the governance structure, and enabling transparent, timely, and informed decision-making within a complex international research environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Drive governance coordination by ensuring alignment between the EGO Council, EGO Directorate, and VirgoLab Executive Board, and by proactively following up on strategic decisions and actions.
  • Oversee and structure institutional reporting to the EGO Council and other governance bodies, ensuring that communications are accurate, timely, and effectively support strategic oversight.
  • Oversee and monitor ongoing activities of the Virgo detector and its site, and prepare briefing materials for EGO Council (and EGO DT and VirgoLab EB??) accordingly.
  • Support high-level planning and execution, including contributing to the development and monitoring of strategic plans of EGO and VirgoLab.
  • Act as a trusted advisor and information broker, synthesizing technical, operational, and policy-related input into briefings, position papers, and decision-support materials.
  • Foster internal communication and knowledge flow, helping ensure that strategic decisions, institutional updates, and key milestones are effectively communicated across EGO and VirgoLab by EGO Council.

Candidate profile

  • Advanced degree in a relevant field such as physics, engineering, public administration, science policy, or management. A background in science (e.g. physics) is highly valued, particularly in a research infrastructure context.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in scientific governance, project coordination, or institutional policy roles, ideally in an international research or intergovernmental environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex scientific and organizational information into clear, actionable formats for senior stakeholders.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience working across organizational boundaries and cultural contexts.
  • Excellent writing, briefing, and presentation skills, with the ability to adapt tone and content for technical, strategic, and policy-level audiences.
  • Fluency in English is essential.
  • Self-driven and organized, with a capacity to manage multiple priorities and to operate with sound judgment and discretion in a high-stakes, high-visibility environment.

Terms

The terms of this position will depend on the identified candidate, who should envisage to devote at least 0.5 FTE to this position, with an expectation to travel frequently including to the EGO site in Cascina, Italy and involve working in an international and interdisciplinary working environment.

The position of the VirgoLab Program Officer can be either held by someone with a position in an Organisation or University with a secondment from EGO or by a limited duration Collaboration Contract with EGO.

The Initial appointment would be 2 years, renewable based on performance and organizational needs.

Please find here full details.

Posted on

Summer school on Multimessenger Astrophysics at ICE in Barcelona, July 6-14 2026

On behalf of the Institute of Space Sciences (ICE-CSIC), we are pleased to announce the 9th edition of the ICE Summer School devoted to Multimessenger Astrophysics. This intensive programme is designed for advanced Master’s and PhD students, early-career researchers, and others interested in the physics and observational techniques associated with multimessenger phenomena in the universe.

Scientific Scope
Multimessenger astrophysics is the framework for studying the Universe through the synergistic use of electromagnetic radiation, cosmic rays,neutrinos, and gravitational waves. By integrating these diverse channels, researchers can obtain a comprehensive view of violent and energetic astrophysical systems, such as compact object mergers,
active galactic nuclei, and cosmic accelerators. The School will cover both foundational theory and data-driven methods that are Shaping current and future research directions in high-energy astrophysics and relativity.

Topics and Programme Highlights
The scientific programme will consist of lectures and hands-on sessions delivered by experts from ICE and collaborating institutions.

Core themes will include, but are not limited to:
-Radiation processes and fundamental interactions
-Cosmic ray astrophysics and propagation
-Gamma-ray astronomy
-Neutrino physics and detectors
-Gravitational wave theory and data analysis
-Hands-on data analysis sessions (e.g., Fermi data, LIGO/Virgo)
-Machine learning applications in multimessenger research

Detailed session titles, lecturers, and the full list of topics can already be found on the school’s website.

Dates and Venue
The School will run from 6 to 14 July 2026 at the Institute of Space Sciences (ICE-CSIC), located on the Campus of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) in Bellaterra (Barcelona). The ICE building and possible accommodation are within the UAB campus area.

Participation, Registration, Fellowships
Applications are welcomed from Master’s and PhD students, as well as early-career postdoctoral researchers with a strong interest in multimessenger astrophysics. Information on registration procedures, selection criteria, and possible financial support are provided on the school’s website. Registration will close on March 20, 2025. Announcements of accepted participants and fellowships are expected to happen before April 15.

Contact and Further Information
Further details, including the official registration link and programme are published on the Summer School website. Participants are encouraged to monitor the event page for announcements and logistical guidance, and register as soon as possible.

School Website

Posted on

Kavli-IAU Global Coordination Workshop (GCW) “International Coordination of the Time – Domain and Multi-Messenger Sky: New Opportunities and New Challenges”, Görlitz, Germany, 22-26 June 2026

The workshop, to be hosted at the new German Centre for Astrophysics (DZA) in June 2026, builds on the highly successful Kavli-IAU Global Coordination Workshop series. This will bring together approximately 50 astronomers and astrophysicists from around the world to discuss the global considerations of time-domain astronomy and multimessenger astrophysics. The drivers for these areas over the next decade will be large, international projects which require prompt and coordinated follow-up of new astronomical discoveries that may disappear in just a few days, or even sooner.


The primary objectives of the workshop will be to 1) define and prioritise the outstanding scientific questions that require coordinated, multi-wavelength follow-up in this time period, and 2) produce a series of recommendations to be implemented by the astronomical community in order to achieve these scientific goals. It will bring together key representatives from the major projects involved in these areas as well as the broader astronomical community around the globe (including theorists, instrumentalists, and observers).

Recommendations will be translated into a report titled “An Updated RoadMap for Global Coordination in the Time-Domain and Multi-Messenger Eras”.

Co-Organisers

Brad Cenko: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (USA)
Samaya Nissanke: DZA and Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY), University of Potsdam (Germany); University of Amsterdam (NL)

The workshop will take place in Görlitz, Germany and will be invitation-only.

Please find here details.

Posted on

LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration Meeting, March 9-13 2026 in Pisa

We are delighted to host the March 2026 LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA (LVK) Collaboration Meeting in Pisa, Italy, from March 9th to 13th, 2026, at Pala Todisco – Meetings and More. 

The meeting will be hosted by the European Gravitational Observatory (EGO).

Whether you are attending in person or online, we look forward to a week of engaging discussions and fruitful collaborations!

Why Pisa?

Located in the heart of Tuscany, Pisa is world-famous for its Leaning Tower. Just a few kilometers outside the city, in the countryside of Cascina (Province of Pisa), stands the Virgo interferometer, one of the four detectors of the global LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA (LVK) network — making Pisa the ideal venue for this meeting.

In addition to science, Pisa and the surrounding region of Tuscany offer a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Participants can explore the Duomo, the Botanical Garden of the University of Pisa, founded in 1543 and the oldest university botanical garden in the world, and other art and history museums, enjoying the charm of its historic streets and squares.

Pisa is also easily accessible, with its international airport and close proximity to Florence Airport, providing connections to destinations around the world.

The Venue

Pala Todisco – Meeting and more, located a few kilometers northeast of Pisa, is surrounded by greenery. The venue can host large-scale events and is equipped with advanced digital and audio-visual technologies, ensuring the best possible conference experience in comfortable and suitable spaces.

Dedicated transportation will be organized from key locations in the city center to Pala Todisco, with buses provided by the organizers for meeting participants.
For more information, please visit the [Accommodation & Travel page]

Key Event Dates

11 September 2025 | First Announcement
15 December 2025 | Registration Opens
20 January 2026 | Early-Bird Registration Closes
28 February 2026 | General Registration Closes
9–12 March 2026 | LVK Collaboration Meeting
13 March 2026 | Satellite Workshops at EGO and Virgo Tour

Local Organizing Committee:

Massimo Carpinelli (Director of the European Gravitational Observatory, University of Milano-Bicocca)
Nicolas Arnaud (Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, IP2I Lyon / IN2P3)
Gianluca Gemme (Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare)
Lorenzo Mirasola (Departament de Física, Universitat de les Illes Balears, IAC3–IEEC)
Vincenzo Napolano (European Gravitational Observatory)
Massimiliano Razzano (University of Pisa, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare)
Viola Sordini (Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, IP2I Lyon / IN2P3)
Elisa Velcani (European Gravitational Observatory)

Conference Website

Posted on

GW position in France

This year CNRS opens a permanent position on Gravitational waves in France. The main target are young researchers (between 1 and 3 postdocs). For more information, please contact Stas Babak (APC: stas(at)apc.in2p3.fr) or Yves Lemiere (LPCC: lemiere(at)lpccaen.in2p3.fr).

Please find the first announcement here (position N 04/08).