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EXP Fellowships in Experimental Physics and Astrophysics at Caltech

The Caltech Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy offers a number of named Experimental Physics and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Prize Fellowships (EXP Fellowships). EXP Fellowships are for a three-year duration and to begin in the fall 2026, or a mutually agreeable date. Application deadline: November 1st 2025.

The EXP program has been established to offer scientists, typically within a few years after receipt of their PhD, the opportunity to pursue innovative experimental research, including but not limited to Astrophysics, Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics, Biophysics, Condensed Matter Physics, Soft Condensed Matter Physics, Gravitational Physics (via the dedicated Braginsky/Whitcomb Fellowship), High Energy Physics, Low-Energy Particle Physics, Nuclear Physics, Quantum Information, or Cosmology.

It is expected that this research will require the support and facilities of one of the established experimental groups at Caltech (accessible from this list). Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact faculty members to gauge mutual interest.

In the case of astrophysics, only candidates with a focus on instrumentation and/or experimental laboratory work will be considered for EXP fellowships.

Electronic copies of the curriculum vitae, publications list (refereed papers on top), and statement of research interests are required. The research statement should be no more than 5 pages, excluding references. The applicant is requested to ensure that at least three letters of recommendation are submitted on their behalf.

Qualifications and terms of appointment:

PhD in Physics, Astronomy, or related field (completed or expected by start date)
Eligibility extends to current postdoctoral scholars
Appointment term: 3 years
Salary: $85,000 in the first year
Research fund: $10,000 per annum
One-time allowance to assist with the move
Annual vacations: 21 days, not including Caltech Holidays
Annual sick leave: 15 days
Health, dental, and vision insurance

Process timeline:

  • September 1, 2025: Applications are accepted
  • November 1, 2025: Deadline for applications, including reference letters
  • Mid-December 2025 – End of February 2026: Offers
  • View or update your application using the “Status” link after login

Please find here full details and to apply.

Assistant Professor of Gravitational‑Wave & Multi‑Messenger Astrophysics at Vanderbilt University

The Department of Physics & Astronomy at Vanderbilt University invites applications for a tenure‑track Assistant Professor in gravitational‑wave and multi‑messenger astrophysics. We seek an outstanding scholar whose research spans gravitational‑wave theory, data analysis, and/or multi‑messenger astrophysics, ideally grounded in gravitational physics and relativistic astrophysics. Review of applications will begin November 1, 2025

Vanderbilt has growing strength, leadership, and strategic momentum in gravitational‑wave science (e.g., in PTAs, LISA, and LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA) and multi‑messenger astrophysics (e.g., in SDSS, LSST, and UVEX), with collaborative ties across Physics & Astronomy, Mathematics, Data Science, and campus‑wide initiatives. Vanderbilt has also recently established the College of Connected Computing, its first new college in 40 years, to advance breakthrough discoveries and strengthen computing education for students through a “computing for all” approach.

The candidate will be expected to develop a visible, high-impact, externally funded research program in gravitational‑wave and/or multi‑messenger astrophysics; engage collaboratively with national and international efforts (e.g., PTAs, LISA, LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA) and with Vanderbilt’s broader research efforts, and computational and data‑intensive ecosystem. Candidates will be expected to teach at both undergraduate and graduate levels, advise PhD students, and mentor undergraduate students. They should also contribute to the department, college, and profession, including activities that promote a welcoming and collaborative academic community.

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy/Astrophysics, or a closely related field by August 1, 2026. Preferably with several years of postdoctoral research experience.
  • Evidence of research excellence and potential for leadership in gravitational‑wave and/or multi‑messenger astrophysics.
  • Commitment to effective teaching and mentoring at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
  • Ability to collaborate across subfields of physics, astronomy, mathematics, and data/computational science.

Application Instructions

Please submit the following:

  • Cover letter describing the candidate’s reasons for applying, and their fit to the position;
  • Curriculum vitae with publication list. If relevant, the latter should be separated into publications for which the candidate made major contributions or led, then other large collaborative publications;
  • Research statement, summarizing past achievements and 3–5 year vision, including funding plans, strategy for interdisciplinary collaboration, and complementarity with existing departmental research;
  • Teaching and mentoring statement, addressing (where relevant) the applicant’s approach to classroom and laboratory instruction, mentorship of students and postdoctoral scholars, and ways to foster a welcoming environment for the development of scholars who come to Vanderbilt with many different backgrounds and experiences. Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., course evaluations) must be included, if available;

Applicants should arrange for three letters of confidential recommendation to be uploaded via the same link.

Review of applications will begin November 1, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, please ensure all materials (including letters) are submitted by November 15, 2025. Inquiries may be directed to Professor Stephen Taylor: stephen.r.taylor(at)vanderbilt.edu.

Application Process
This institution is using Interfolio’s Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.

Please find here details and to apply.

One postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for Theoretical Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences Warsaw

The Director of the Center for Theoretical Physics PAS (CTP PAS) invites applications for one 4-year postdoctoral fellowship at the CTP PAS, financed from the project Weave-UNISONO „Lensing of electromagnetic and gravitational waves”, financed by the National Science Center (GA no. UMO-2024/06/Y/ST2/00190). The PI of the project is dr hab. Mikołaj Korzyński. The research will be conducted in collaboration with the group of Dr. Marius Oancea from the University of Vienna. Application deadline: November 1st 2025.

The project aims: investigating
Optical drift effects close to caustics: investigating the effects of lens, observer and source transverse motion in strong gravitational lensing, for objects near caustics
Lensing of gravitational waves by strong gravitational fields: computing lensed gravitational waveforms originating from sources in strong-gravity Environments
Computing the effects of propagation of waves in curved spacetimes beyond
geometric optics using the Wigner function approach.
E-Mail rekrutacja(at)cft.edu.pl

Skills/Qualifications

We are looking for a candidate with a recognized PhD degree (obtained not earlier than in 2018) in stronomy, theoretical physics or a compatible field. Additionally, experience in any of the following three:

  • gravitational lensing
  • numerical methods in gravitational lensing, raytracing
  • gravitational waves

will be an additional advantage.

Languages ENGLISH
Level Excellent

Please find here full details and how to apply.

Faculty position in Experimental Quantum Science at Princeton University

The Princeton Quantum Initiative (PQI) and the Department of Physics at Princeton University seek applications for a tenure-track assistant professor faculty position in experimental quantum science. Candidates in all areas of experimental quantum science, including quantum information processing, sensing, computing, and networks, who research different experimental platforms, are encouraged to apply.

Candidates should have a commitment to teaching and a demonstrated ability to pursue a high impact research program. A start date of September 1, 2026 is preferred. The University is committed to fostering an academic environment that acknowledges and encourages diversity and differences. We seek faculty members who will create a climate that embraces excellence, with a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring that will enhance the work of the department and that will attract and retain a diverse student body.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The selected candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check.

Applications require: a cover letter, complete curriculum vitae, descriptions of research and teaching interests, and the contact information for three references. Applicant review will begin in November 2025. For full consideration, please submit all application documents and reference letters no later than December 1, 2025 (11:59 EST) at https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/39903

PhD Position at CUHK, Hong Kong

The CUHK, Hong Kong, invites applications for a 4-year PhD position in gravitational-wave and gravitational lensing data analysis, starting Fall 2026. Application deadline: October 15, 2025.

About the Group: The CUHK gravitational-wave group, part of the LVK collaboration since 2016, conducts research on gravitational waves—ripples in space-time that reveal insights into extreme cosmic phenomena. We specialize in connecting gravitational-wave observations with other physics disciplines, leveraging advanced detectors that detect signals weekly. Group website: https://gw.phy.cuhk.edu.hk/

Eligibility: Applicants should have a BSc degree by the start date of the program. International applicants with a first-class honors degree (e.g., minimum GPA 3.5/4.0) from a QS-200 university and demonstrated research experience (e.g., publications, projects) may qualify for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS), offering additional stipends and research support. Other applicants are also welcome to apply through standard route.

How to Apply: Submit your CV and statement of purpose via the application form (https://forms.gle/DdBk5JGrAgG39FVP7). Referees should send letters directly to Otto Hannuksela, email: oahannuksela(at)cuhk.edu.hk.

Assistant Professor at Department of Astronomy UC Berkeley

The Department of Astronomy at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applicants for an Assistant Professorship. This position is open to all subfields of Astronomy and Astrophysics. The department is committed to addressing the family needs of faculty, including dual career couples and single parents. We are also interested in candidates who have had non-traditional career paths or who have taken time off for family reasons, or who have achieved excellence in careers outside academia. For information about potential relocation to Berkeley, or career needs of accompanying partners and spouses, please visit: http://ofew.berkeley.edu/new-faculty.

Position overview

Position title: Assistant Professor

Salary range: The current salary range for this position is $80,800–$128,700, however, off-scale salary and other components of pay, which would yield compensation that is higher than this range, are offered to meet competitive conditions.

Anticipated start: July 1, 2026

Application Window

Open date: August 5, 2025

Next review date: Monday, Nov 3, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Nov 3, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications(required at time of application)

The basic qualifications required to be considered for this position are a Ph.D. (or equivalent international degree), or enrollment in a Ph.D. or equivalent international degree-granting program at the time of application.

Preferred qualifications

A Ph.D. or equivalent international degree is preferred by the date of hire.
We seek an outstanding scientist who has the potential for innovation and leadership in research, and commits to teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

  • Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Cover Letter
  • Research Statement – Please discuss research accomplishments and proposed plans. This can include, for example, your publication record, awards, presentations, inclusive research practices that promote the excellence of your research, and areas for future research. (3 pages maximum excluding references)
  • Teaching and Mentoring Statement – Please discuss prior teaching experience, teaching approach, and future teaching interests. This can include, for example, specific efforts and accomplishments, and future plans to support the success of all students through inclusive curriculum, classroom environment, and pedagogy. Please also discuss your mentoring experiences and approach. This can include, for example, past efforts and future plans to support the success of all students, and to foster an inclusive research environment that removes barriers and promotes equitable access and advancement of the research program. (1 page maximum)
  • Service Statement – Please discuss specific prior and proposed academic, professional and/or public service activities. This can include, for example, participating in professional or scientific associations, serving on committees that advance department, campus or discipline goals, and conducting outreach activities that can remove barriers and increase participation of academics in your field. (1 page maximum)
  • A list of 3 key papers – Indicate 3 representative papers in a list for reviewers to reference during the selection process. Provide paper titles, author lists, abstracts, and bibliographic information.
  • Complete publication list – Either accepted or submitted to refereed journals
  • Authorization to Release Information Form – A reference check will be completed only if you are selected as the candidate to whom the hiring unit would like to extend a formal offer. Download, complete, sign, and upload the Authorization to Release Information form

Reference requirements

  • 3 letters of reference required

Letters are to be sent directly by the applicant’s references. Applicants should strongly encourage their letter writers to submit references by the application close date (Nov 3, 2025).

Apply link:https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05038

PhD positions in Astronomy and Astrophysics IMPRS in Heidelberg

The "International Max Planck Research School for Astronomy and Cosmic Physics at the University of Heidelberg" (IMPRS-HD) invites applications for its PhD program. The school aims to offer outstanding research and training opportunities with excellent instrumental, observational, and theoretical research facilities at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, the Astronomisches Rechen-Institut, the Landessternwarte Koenigstuhl, the Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, and the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies. Application deadline: November 1st 2025.

Main research topics carried out at these institutions are planet and star formation; exoplanets and substellar objects; astrometry; formation, evolution and dynamics of galaxies and supermassive black holes; gravitational lensing; cosmology and structure formation; high energy astrophysics; and state-of-the-art instrumentation for astronomy and astroparticle physics.

The IMPRS-HD is an independent part of the Heidelberg Graduate School for Physics.

Several fellowships are available with 1600-1800 Euro monthly average net income.

Interested students are invited to apply by November 1, 2025, for the academic year starting in September 2026.
An earlier start of the thesis research is possible.

Applicants must have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics/Astronomy including a corresponding thesis and a very good physics background. Applicants with a 4-yr degree in physics may be accepted conditionally.

Further details on IMPRS-HD and the application process can be found at http://www.imprs-hd.mpg.de/.

IMPRS Office
Email: imprs-hd-application@mpia.de

PhD in Astrophysics at IMPRS on Astrophysics at Ludwig Maximilians University Munich

You want to boost your career in Astrophysics? Then do your PhD in one of the largest centers for Astronomy and Astrophysics in Europe and work with the leading scientists in the field to accelerate your scientific career! The International Max Planck Research School on Astrophysics at the Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (IMPRS on Astrophysics) is soliciting applications for its PhD program.

Located in the beautiful Munich-Garching area in southern Bavaria (Germany), the school offers a unique environment for graduate students due to the presence of four internationally renowned institutes which form the school:

  • The Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) 
  • The Observatory of the University of Munich (LMU/USM) 
  • The Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics (MPA)
  • The European Southern Observatory (ESO)

IMPRS offers a highly competitive PhD program, including lectures, seminars and a research 
project supervised by leading scientists at one of the participating institutions. 

Course language is English.

Students have access to the world largest ground- and spaced-based observatories and instrumentation operated by the participating institutes as well as to supercomputers for advanced numerical simulations and theoretical studies. Applications for the PhD-program are open to students from all countries.

Successful applicants will get a work contract / fellowship with a monthly income that covers the living costs. We will assist our students with all administrative matters for a smooth on-boarding.

This means “Concentrate on your research — we do the rest!” For more details see: https://www.imprs-astro.mpg.de/ 
     
The closing date for applications for the program starting in September 2026 is November 1,  2025.

If for any reason you have difficulty meeting the deadline, please inform us in advance and we will extend it upon request.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation Type

Salary

Currency

365

Compensation Range

$25USD to $27USD

Included Benefits

  • Medical insurance (including basic dental insurance) is covered by the position. 
  • Child allowance, if applicable
  • Household allowance, if applicable
  • Reimbursement of moving cost (to a certain amount)
  • Access to free German language classes
  • Support in all administrative matters such as visa, housing etc.

Compensation Notes

The above mentioned annual salary amounts are net pay.

Pay and benefits vary between the four participating institutes. Students earn about 2.000 – 2.300 EUR  per month net (about 2.350 -2.700 USD), depending on the affiliated instiute, year of study, and martial / family status.

The exact details can be found on our website: www.imprs-astro.mpg.de

Application Details

Application Instructions

We will only accept applications via our application platform, which will reopen for this call in August 2025.
Application deadline is November 1, 2025 for the program starting in September 2026.

In the application form, you must provide the contact details of 1-3 referee(s), who will upload a reference letter in the applicant portal. The deadline for submitting the letters is also November 1, 2025.

Prerequisite for application is a Master’s degree in physics, astrophysics, astronomy or a comparable subject with a final grade of very good to good.
Very outsanding students can apply for the fast-track PhD with an excellent Bachelors degree.
You can find more information on the admission requirements on our website under “Application” – “Who qualifies”

Please find here full details.

PhD position in Theoretical Particle Cosmology at KIT

We seek a qualified physics graduate to join as a PhD candidate at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). The successful candidate will join Dr. Kim Berghaus' research group to work on projects related to Theoretical Particle Cosmology, on topics of the intersection of particle physics and theoretical/observational cosmology such as inflation, dark energy, and the Hubble tension. The position is for 3 years with a flexible starting date from February 1st, 2026 to May 1st, 2026. Application deadline on October 3, 2025.

This position is part of the Emmy Noether Research Group “Novel Signatures of Relativistic Particle Production in Cosmology”. The group investigates the impact of fundamental interactions between scalar fields and other light degrees of freedom on cosmological observations.

Your Profile:

  • Master’s degree in Physics (to be completed by the starting date).
  • Strong interest in cosmology and (astro)particle physics.
  • Some prior research experience in cosmology or particle physics is highly desirable.

We Offer:

  • 3-year contract (salary level E 13 TV-L, 75%).
  • Collaborative and supportive work environment.

Application Procedure:

  • Motivation letter (max 1 page).
  • Curriculum Vitae.
  • Recent transcript of study records.
  • 1-3 Recommendation letters (to be submitted by the reference writer).

Motivation letter, CV and transcript of records should be sent as a single PDF to kberghaus.kit.phys.applications(at)gmail.com.

The review of applications will start on October 4th, 2025.

Please find here details.

KICP Postdoctoral Research Fellow Chicago

The Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics (KICP) at the University of Chicago would like to invite applications for the KICP Postdoctoral Research Fellowship program. Scientists receiving a PhD in physics, astrophysics, astronomy, or related fields between June 2022 and September 2026 are welcome to apply. Successful applicants will conduct original research in experimental, observational, numerical, or theoretical cosmological physics, broadly defined. KICP Fellows are appointed to renewable one-year terms, for up to three years. Our positions carry a salary and benefits package comparable to other prize fellowships. Application deadline: October 31, 2025.

KICP Fellows are an integral part of the KICP community. The KICP is an interdisciplinary environment that brings together physicists and astronomers who range from experimentalists to observers, simulators, and theorists, to stimulate new ideas and push the forefront of cosmological research. Current topics of research in the institute include: the inflationary era; dark energy; dark matter; experimental and theoretical studies of the CMB; analysis of cosmological data including CMB, large-scale structure surveys (especially the Dark Energy Survey), and type Ia supernova; gravitational lensing and gravitational-wave studies; observational cosmology; experimental and theoretical particle astrophysics; near-field cosmology, and direct and indirect detection of dark matter. The KICP has an active program of visitors, symposia, and meetings as well as Education and Outreach opportunities. All members of the KICP are expected to adhere to our Community Values (https://kavlicosmo.uchicago.edu/about/diversity-inclusion/#CommunityValues). Information about the KICP can be found at the KICP website (https://kavlicosmo.uchicago.edu/).

To apply for a KICP Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, please complete the online application form at Academic Jobs Online (AJO). Requested information includes email contact information for 3 references who can independently write a letter of support for the applicant. Supplemental materials (Cover Letter; Curriculum Vitae; Research Statement – a one to three page document of your research accomplishments and plans; List of Publications) should be submitted as PDF files on the application form.

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Smith at jmsmith@uchicago.edu.

The positions will remain open until filled; however applicants are strongly encouraged to submit application by October 31, 2025 and ensure that 3 letters of recommendation are received by November 15, 2025. Review of applications will begin November 17, 2025. The positions are expected to begin in the Fall of 2026.

Please find here details.