Category: Positions

Applications are open for a research fellow position in the research group led by Bruno Bertini at the University of Birmingham. The duration is two years with the possibility of extension. The group’s research is operating in the area of quantum statistical physics with specific focus on non-equilibrium quantum many-body dynamics. Specific topics of interest include dynamics in quantum circuits and quantum cellular automata, many-body quantum chaos, quantum integrability, (generalised) hydrodynamics, quantum information scrambling, entanglement measures, tensor-network theory. The ideal candidate has either analytical or computational skills (exact diagonalisation or tensor network techniques) and research experience in either many-body quantum physics, statistical mechanics, statistical field theory, quantum-information theory, or quantum computing. Closing date Feb 22nd 2026.

The School of Physics and Astronomy is a world-leading physics department, excelling in both research and teaching. It hosts over 130 academic and research staff, around 50 technical and support staff, and over 130 graduate students. Our physics research was recently ranked top in the UK for 4-star-category research by the national Research Excellence Framework 2021 exercise. The 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Professor Mike Kosterlitz and Professor David Thouless jointly for their work into the discoveries of the properties of matter, work which started when they were at Birmingham together. The 2017 Prize was awarded for the detection of gravitational waves, in which Birmingham staff played a key role.

The School is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of an Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School’s commitment to promote equality and diversity, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all staff can achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, but applications from traditionally under-represented groups in Physics and Astronomy including, but not limited to, women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Groups, are particularly encouraged.

Please attach a CV and contact details for two referees to your application. 

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids 
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results 
• Contribute to generating funding 
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods 
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews *
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters *
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research *
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines*
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

* These indicative responsibilities may also be included in a research role at grade 6.

Person Specification

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in physics or mathematics or being near to completion 
• Ability to creatively apply relevant research approaches, models, techniques and methods
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information with clarity 
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate with others, both internally and externally
• Strong record of research in theoretical condensed matter physics, quantum information, quantum computing, or a closely related field
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Bruno Bertini, email: b.bertini(at)bham.ac.uk 

Please find here details.

The GW group at NICPB, Tallinn invites applications for a postdoctoral position in GW phenomenology and data analysis. The position is initially for two years, with the possibility of renewal for a third year. We offer a competitive salary, travel support, and a supportive research environment within an active GW group in Tallinn. Review of applications will begin on March 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants must have been awarded a PhD by the start date of the position. Previous experience in GW research is preferred. The start date is flexible and can be negotiated. Application deadline April 1st, 2026.

To apply, please contact Hardi Veermäe (hardi.veermae(at)cern.ch) and Ville Vaskonen (ville.vaskonen(at)kbfi.ee) with a CV and a brief research statement. Applicants should also provide two letters of reference that should be sent to hardi.veermae@cern.ch and ville.vaskonen@kbfi.ee (please instruct your letter writers to include your family name in their e-mail). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The laboratory hosts a diverse and international team of researchers and its expertise covers GW phenomenology, cosmology, BSM phenomenology, theory of gravity, computational physics and data analysis. More Information on the GW group at NICPB: kbfi.ee/high-energy-and-computational-physics/gravitational-waves/

The position will be based in Estonia, which offers a family-friendly, low-bureaucracy environment (see https://workinestonia.com )

Please find here details.

The Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE) invites expressions of interest from outstanding researchers to join its Gravitational Waves Group, working on the Virgo, LIGO, and Einstein Telescope collaborations, in the framework of the 2026 ATRAE Program (https://www.aei.gob.es/en/atrae) of the Spanish Funding Agency.

Research Environment

IFAE performs research in particle physics, astroparticle physics and cosmology, and develops technologies for the benefit of the whole society. IFAE’s mission is to address fundamental physics questions by acting as a major partner and a leader in the scientific collaborations at the forefront of our field, while preparing for future technological breakthroughs. IFAE has been distinguished three times with the Severo Ochoa Excellence award from the Spanish Funding Agency.

The IFAE Gravitational Waves Group plays an active role in Virgo and LIGO experiments in several areas including detector characterization, physics data analysis, and R&D for next-generation observatories, with a particular emphasis on the Einstein Telescope.

Successful candidates will benefit from:

• A vibrant, collaborative research environment.
• Strong institutional support for independent research lines.
• Access to international collaborations and infrastructure.
• Mentorship and strategic support for ATRAE applications.

Profile Sought

We welcome expressions of interest from researchers with a strong track record and leadership potential in areas including (but not limited to):

• Gravitational-wave detector operations and data analysis.
• Detector characterization and noise mitigation.
• Instrumentation and R&D for next-generation detectors.

Candidates should be eligible to apply to the ATRAE Program and be interested in establishing or consolidating an independent research line at IFAE.

ATRAE Program

The ATRAE Program, funded by the Spanish Funding Agency, defines about 1M€ individual grants and aims to attract and retain research talent by supporting the long-term incorporation of established researchers into Spanish research institutions.

The next call is expected by April 2026.

For reference the 2025 ATRAE call can be consulted at https://www.aei.gob.es/en/node/5072.

How to Express Interest

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact us informally to discuss mutual interests and institutional support for an ATRAE application.

Please include:

• A brief CV.
• A short summary of research interests and future plans.
• Indication of alignment with the IFAE gravitational-wave program.

Contact

For expressions of interest and informal inquiries, please contact:

Mario Martinez – IFAE GW Group Team Leader and IFAE Deputy Director
mmp(at)ifae.es

Eugenio Coccia – IFAE Director
eugenio.coccia(at)ifae.es