Skip to content

Category: Positions

Posted on

Postdoctoral position in theoretical gravitational Physics at Charles University, Prague

The Institute of Theoretical Physics at Charles University, Prague, invites applications for a postdoctoral position in general relativity and modified theories of gravity within Dr. Ivan Kolar’s research group. This position is funded by the Charles University PRIMUS grant “Spacetimes and Fields in Higher-Derivative Theories” (PRIMUS/23/SCI/005).

Research areas include higher-derivative gravity, exact solutions (e.g., black holes), spacetime symmetries, and algebraic classification.

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in theoretical or mathematical physics with a strong background in general relativity. Familiarity with computational tools such as xAct/Mathematica is advantageous.

Expected Start Date: March 01, 2025, or negotiable

Duration of Contract: 2 years

Application Submission Deadline: January 10, 2025 at 23:59 CET

Documents Required for the Application:
-structured CV
-education credentials, proof of academic degrees, and ranks
-list of scientific and publication activity
-motivation letter
-two letters of recommendation

See the attached link for more details on the position and application instructions.
Contact: Kolar, Ivan (positions(at)matfyz.cuni.cz)

Please find here details.

Posted on

ERC-funded Postdoc and PhD positions on gravitational-wave theory, source modeling, and science interpretation at the MPI 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 Science Park announces the opening of several Ph.D. students and postdoctoral appointments in gravitational-wave theory, source modeling, and science interpretation. 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 deadline for full consideration is December 6, 2024.

The ERC-funded project called “Making sense of the unexpected in the gravitational-wave sky (GWSky)” is led by PIs Alessandra Buonanno, head of the ACR department, Enrico Barausse (SISSA, Trieste, Italy), Zvi Bern (University of California, Los Angeles, US), and Maarten van de Meent (Niels Bohr Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark). Given the synergistic aspect of the GWSky project, we anticipate that for a few postdoctoral scholars, there will be the opportunity to spend two years at the AEI and the subsequent two years in another node. One of the supervisors of the Ph.D. students at the AEI may be located in another node.

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 groups’ expertise, the GWSky project aims to develop a groundbreaking framework capable of solving the highly nonlinear equations by 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, we are looking at candidates in the following research areas: post-Minkowskian formalism, scattering amplitudes, gravitational self-force, post-Newtonian theory, effective-one-body formalism, numerical-relativity surrogate models, methods to accelerate waveform generation, 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.

To apply, please submit your application via our job portal
for the postdoctoral positions here.
for the PhD positions 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. Ph.D. applicants will also be asked to upload their university transcripts and Master thesis (if applicable). 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(at)aei.mpg.de.

The four nodes of GWSky will have positions in a variety of subdisciplines that feed into precision theoretical studies of gravitational waves. Those interested in potential positions at other nodes may follow the links:

Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline for full consideration, including receipt of reference letters, is December 6, 2024. The anticipated start date of the positions is Fall 2025. 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). In case an offer is made, a projection of the gross and net salary based on the TVöD regulations will be prepared.

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

For further information, please contact acr-jobs(at)aei.mpg.de.

Please find here full details.

Posted on

LIGO Laboratory Job Opening: Senior Vacuum Engineer at LHO (CEBEX)

Caltech’s Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) seeks a highly motivated and skilled Senior Vacuum Engineer to join its Cosmic Explorer Beamtube Experiment (CEBEX) team at the Richland, Washington observatory site. LIGO Laboratory is a major National Science Foundation facility dedicated to observing the newly discovered gravitational-wave universe. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, LIGO operates the world’s leading gravitational observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA, as well as campus R&D centers in Pasadena, CA and Cambridge, MA.

To learn more about LIGO Laboratory, please visit LIGO.caltech.edu. The Laboratory’s mission supports the young science of gravitational-wave physics and astronomy and includes observatory operations, analysis and dissemination of astrophysical observations, detector science and technology R&D, gravitational-wave astrophysics, and education and public outreach.

LIGO now also leads the effort to expand humanity’s gravitational wave horizon with a next-generation observatory, Cosmic Explorer (CE). Slated for construction in the 2030’s, CE will be ten times the size and reach of LIGO, able to gather signals from the edge of the observable universe.

The selected applicant will join an elite team charged with conceiving, designing, building, and testing advanced technology for the CE vacuum systems, destined to be the largest ultrahigh vacuum systems ever built. We will exercise and develop this technology in a new, purpose-built UHV research facility, the Cosmic Explorer Beamtube Experiment (CEBEX) Laboratory, located at LIGO Hanford.

Current Washington and Louisiana LIGO installations occupy 4 km scale, 10 million-liter UHV systems operating at one trillionth of atmospheric pressure (10-9 millibar), making them the two largest contiguous UHV volumes ever constructed. To further expand sensitivity, a new observatory will be constructed: Cosmic Explorer (CE). This observatory will require beamtubes 10x longer, up to 40 km in length. This will multiply CE’s detectable source range by ten, increasing the accessible volume of space thousandfold. However, UHV structures of this size and volume have never been attempted.

As a key member of the Cosmic Explorer Beamtube Experiment (CEBEX) team, the selectee will contribute to the modeling, trade study, design, fabrication, installation, bakeout and characterization of engineering prototypes and technology demonstrators for CE beamtubes up to 40 km in length. Tests will include industrial fabrication and qualification of a planned 1.2-meter diameter, 120-meter-long demonstration tube, to be erected in the new purpose-built CEBEX laboratory at the LIGO Hanford Observatory (LHO). In parallel, the chosen candidate will take a lead role in forging results of these investigations into a conceptual reference design, construction plan, and parametric cost estimate for CE. These will form the core of our future CE Observatory construction proposal.

This is a Campus Critical position. An employee designated as campus critical is expected to be aware of the campus emergency management plan and to report to Campus as soon as possible in the event of an emergency to assist in campus wide response and recovery efforts.

Essential Job Duties

  • Collaborate with research scientists and engineers in modeling and investigation of UHV techniques, welding and fabrication technology, structural statics and dynamics, thermal processing, surface preparation, residual gas characterization, material surface analysis, and related disciplines.
  • Establish, track, and maintain team workplans, schedules and budgets to accomplish mission objectives.
  • Supervise and mentor junior engineering and technical staff.
  • Plan and oversee specification and procurement of instruments and equipment, including budget development, scheduling, technical requirement definition, competitive vendor selection, contract monitoring, and quality assurance.
  • Responsible for professional communication (written and verbal) internally within the organization and externally to parties outside the organization. This includes liaising and interacting with US and international collaborators, contributors, and industrial partners.
  • Liaising, collaborating, and exchanging information with LIGO Laboratory vacuum teams concerning best practices, organization standards and methods.
  • Serve as a contributing member or chair on Design, Technical, Installation and other internal Review panels as may be required.
  • Initiate and collaborate in writing and delivering research papers and technical presentations.
  • Develop, oversee, and evaluate UHV material preparation and test facilities, including cleaning plants, bake ovens, and outgassing test chambers used to prepare or characterize UHV components and instrumentation.
  • Travel as requested to other LIGO campus and observatory sites, major vendor facilities, and collaborating institutions, both domestic and international.
  • Undertake additional leadership or contributing responsibilities as needs of the program may require.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

  • BS degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical or Systems Engineering, Physics, Material Science, or a related scientific or engineering field.
  • 8 or more years of direct vacuum engineering or research work experience in relevant industrial or scientific applications.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in practical design, analysis, and performance characterization of high- or ultra-high vacuum systems, including structural and safety analysis, pressure measurement, pump and valve selection, surface preparation, bakeout, and seal technology.
  • Thorough knowledge and experience in selection and application of UHV-compatible materials, material processes (welding, surface preparation, etc.)
  • Demonstrated proficiency in application and interpretation of spectra from residual gas analyzers.
  • Experience in application of helium mass‐spectrometer leak detection (MSLD) apparatus.
  • Effective English‐language written and verbal communication skills and habits.
  • Proven ability to mentor junior engineering and technical staff.
  • Level-headed professionalism and excellent interpersonal and team skills.
  • An automobile driver’s license valid in the United States, or ability to obtain one once employment begins.
  • Ability to lift at least 20 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s or Doctoral graduate degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical or Systems Engineering, Physics, Material Science, or a related scientific or engineering field.
  • Certificate, coursework, or other professional qualification in Project Management.
  • Demonstrated expertise in application of industrial automation to large-scale vacuum systems.
  • Hands-on experience in building, improving, and maintaining high- or ultra- high vacuum systems.
  • Experience related to fluid, cryogen, pressure, flow rate, and gas sensors and instrumentation.
  • Computer-aided design (CAD) experience and demonstrated proficiency (SolidWorks™ preferred).
  • Finite-element analysis (FEA) experience and demonstrated proficiency (e.g., Ansys™, COMSOL™ or equivalent).
  • Gas dynamical modeling expertise (e.g., using MOLFLOW™ or equivalent Monte Carlo codes).

Required Documents

  • Cover Letter summarizing your relevant experience to this role and also your interest in LIGO Lab.
  • Resume.

Please find here full details.

Posted on

One year postdoc position in Maastricht on ET mirror development – application deadline 11th Oct

The Gravitational Waves and Fundamental Physics (GWFP) at the University of Maastricht, member of the Nikhef partnership, has a position for a postdoctoral researcher under supervision of Dr. J. Steinlechner.

Job Description
Carrying out research and development on instrumentation for gravitational wave detection. In particular;

  • Development of silicon mirrors for future, cryogenic gravitational-wave detectors; the project includes characterisation and improvement of the silicon mirror substrate material and of the highly-reflective, low-noise coatings.
  • Collaborating with a variety of national and international research partners, including the Einstein Telescope collaboration, the Virgo collaboration, the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, and the ETpathfinder team.
  • This 1.0 FTE position is based in the Department of Gravitational Waves and fundamental Physics, located at Duboisdomein 30, Maastricht.

Requirements

  • PhD degree in physics or a related field
  • Proficient in English language and good communication skills
  • Experience in research relevant for gravitational wave instrumentation
  • You can work independently
  • You are flexible in collaboration with others
  • Experience in the characterization of mirror and coating materials for optical absorption and mechanical loss would be an advantage

What we offer
As Postdoctoral Researcher in mirror development for ET at Faculty of Science & Engineering, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

  • Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale 11 according to the UFO profile Researcher, function level 11 with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from € 4332 to € 5929 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus are applicable.
  • An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1.0 FTE.
  • At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
  • As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
  • Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as ‘acknowledge and appreciate’.

Apply now, no later than 11th October 2024 for this position. The application should include a motivation letter, a CV, and any relevant certificates. Final selection will take place through interviews.

Please find here full details.

Posted on

Two Assistant Professor positions in Gravitational Wave Research or LHCb in Maastricht

The Gravitational Waves and Fundamental Physics (GWFP) at Maastricht University, member of the Nikhef partnership, has two positions open for Assistant Professor researcher(s). We are looking for two talented and enthusiastic assistant professors to complement or strengthen our physics activities in the Gravitational Wave and Fundamental Physics (GWFP) group at Maastricht University. Our research activities are embedded in the Dutch Nikhef collaboration and include Gravitational Wave and Particle Physics research. Application Deadline: October 27th, 2024.

Activities in Gravitational Waves research include research on technologies for current and future gravitational-wave detectors such as Virgo and the Einstein Telescope, with a particular focus on optical instrumentation, advanced interferometry beyond the quantum-noise limit, and material research for optics and optical coatings.

Activities in Particle Physics include flavour physics phenomenology in close collaboration with the LHCb experiment, LHCb physics data analysis on CP violation and rare decays, and algorithm development for data reconstruction in a heterogeneous computing model.

Qualified candidates are invited to apply and to develop their research plans in the context of either gravitational wave research or LHCb research or a combination of these activities’

The positions are 1.0 FTE positions located in the GWFP Department of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Duboisdomein 30, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Requirements

  • You have a PhD degree in physics or a related field
  • You have excellent communication skills in the English language
  • You are collegial and actively searching to collaborate with others
  • You have extensive experience in research relevant for gravitational wave instrumentation / data analysis or particle physics data analysis / phenomenology, proven by your track record as an early career researcher
  • You are eager to develop your own research program that is integrated and aligned with the aspirations of the department and the Nikhef partnership
  • You have evidence or high potential for grant acquisition and are keen to seek and join grant opportunities and collaborations for our group
  • You are an enthusiastic teacher in an academic context, and are willing to participate in and shape the teaching activities of our department
  • You have demonstrated experience in supervising Master and/or PhD theses

What we offer
As Assistant Professor at Faculty of Science & Engineering, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

  • Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale 11 – 12 according to UFO profile Assistant Professor, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €4492,00 and €6986,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
  • An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon proven suitability, the employment contract will be converted to an indefinite contract.
  • At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
  • As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
  • Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as ‘acknowledge and appreciate’.

Please find here full details.

Posted on

Two Assistant Professor positions in Gravitational Wave Research or LHCb at University of Maastricht

The Gravitational Waves and Fundamental Physics (GWFP) at Maastricht University, member of the Nikhef partnership, has two positions open for Assistant Professor researcher(s). We are looking for two talented and enthusiastic assistant professors to complement or strengthen our physics activities in the Gravitational Wave and Fundamental Physics (GWFP) group at Maastricht University. Our research activities are embedded in the Dutch Nikhef collaboration and include Gravitational Wave and Particle Physics research. Application deadline: October 27th, 2024.

Activities in Gravitational Waves research include research on technologies for current and future gravitational-wave detectors such as Virgo and the Einstein Telescope, with a particular focus on optical instrumentation, advanced interferometry beyond the quantum-noise limit, and material research for optics and optical coatings.

Activities in Particle Physics include flavour physics phenomenology in close collaboration with the LHCb experiment, LHCb physics data analysis on CP violation and rare decays, and algorithm development for data reconstruction in a heterogeneous computing model.

Qualified candidates are invited to apply and to develop their research plans in the context of one or a combination of these activities.

The positions are 1.0 FTE positions located in the GWFP Department of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Duboisdomein 30, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Requirements

  • You have a PhD degree in physics or a related field
  • You have excellent communication skills in the English language
  • You are collegial and actively searching to collaborate with others
  • You have extensive experience in research relevant for gravitational wave instrumentation / data analysis or particle physics data analysis / phenomenology, proven by your track record as an early career researcher
  • You are eager to develop your own research program that is integrated and aligned with the aspirations of the department and the Nikhef partnership
  • You have evidence or high potential for grant acquisition and are keen to seek and join grant opportunities and collaborations for our group
  • You are an enthusiastic teacher in an academic context, and are willing to participate in and shape the teaching activities of our department
  • You have demonstrated experience in supervising Master and/or PhD theses

What we offer
As Assistant Professor at Faculty of Science & Engineering, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale 11 – 12 according to UFO profile Assistant Professor, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €4492,00 and €6986,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.

An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon proven suitability, the employment contract will be converted to an indefinite contract.

At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.

As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.

Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as ‘acknowledge and appreciate’.

Please find here full details.

Posted on

Postdocoral researcher in cosmology at Leibniz-Institut für Astrophysik Potsdam

The Leibniz-Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP), Cosmography and Large-scale structure research group, invites applications for a Post-doctoral Researcher in Cosmology (w/m/d).

The position can focus on large-scale structure, galaxy formation, and the cosmic web. However research in the group is more expansive and includes dwarf galaxies, the structure and formation of the Milky Way, computational cosmology, observational cosmology, cosmographic reconstructions of the Local Universe and Constrained Simulations. We invite applicants with experience in either or both observations and simulations to apply.

The position is a research fellowship in the context of the Horizon-EU funded network including the Observatory at the University of Tartu (Estonia), the Kapteyn Institute of the Royal University of Groningen (The Netherlands), and The University of Lorraine (France). The position’s scope will also overlap within the Constrained Local UniversE Simulations (CLUES) collaboration, of which AIP is a node. In addition to the cosmography and large-scale structure group led by Dr Libeskind, the cosmology section at AIP includes Prof. Pfrommer and Dr Puchwein as well as around two dozen postdocs and students.

The start date is negotiable, but expected to be Fall 2024 or Winter of 2024/2025. The position will include generous travel and computing support. The initial appointment will be made for 2 years, with a possible extension, depending on performance and availability of funds. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy, or a related field. Salary and benefits are standard for German academic institutions and set at the TV-L level E13. We also provide social benefits incl. company pension VBL as well as a subsidy for a so-called “job ticket” (ie for commuters).

To apply, please send a PDF file containing a research statement (up to 3 pages), a curriculum vitae and publication list, to Dr Noam Libeskind via bewerbung-2024-05(at)aip.de by November 1. Applicants should arrange for 3 letters of recommendation to be sent to the same address by the same date. For questions on the position please contact Dr. Libeskind at nlibeskind(at)aip.de

Please find here full details.

Posted on

Three Postdoctoral Researcher positions at the University of Glasgow

A 1-year Research Assistant/Associate position in gravitational-wave cosmology. Application deadline 17th September. Contact Dr Rachel Gray (Rachel.Gray(at)glasgow.ac.uk) for more details.
A 1-year Research Associate position in optical coatings for gravitational wave detectors. Application deadline 17th September. Contact Dr Iain Martin (Iain.Martin(at)glasgow.ac.uk) for more details.
A Research Associate/Fellow position in data analysis development for the LISA gravitational wave observatory ground segment. Application deadline 19th September. Contact Prof. Graham Woan (Graham.Woan(at)glasgow.ac.uk) for more details.
Posted on

Faculty openings at IUCAA for Gravitational Wave research

The LIGO-India project received approval from the Union Cabinet of India last year. The detector is expected to start science runs by 2030 and promises a massive boost in science and technology. IUCAA, being one of the four lead institutions for executing the project, was given several faculty positions for gravitational wave (GW) science and instrumentation by the University Grants Commission (UGC). If you know any suitable and enthusiastic candidates for those positions, we request you to please send their contact details to us and encourage the candidates to apply. Also, please feel free to forward this mail to your colleagues to spread the word about focused faculty openings at IUCAA.

IUCAA is a premier autonomous research institution set up by the UGC to promote astronomy and astrophysics in Indian colleges and universities. This is accomplished through an active associateship program and by conducting schools and workshops across the country. IUCAA is also actively engaged in science popularization. Current research activities at IUCAA span a wide range, including Classical and Quantum Gravity, Cosmology, Formation and Evolution of Galaxies, Active Galactic Nuclei, High Energy Astrophysics, Diffuse Matter in Space, Cosmic Magnetic Fields, Solar Physics, Astronomy at X-ray/UV/Optical/Radio wavelengths, Gravitational Wave Physics, Quantum technology, and Instrumentation. Besides LIGO-India, IUCAA is actively involved in several leading national and international science projects, including the Thirty Meter Telescope, the Southern African Large Telescope, India’s space-based multi-wavelength observatory AstroSat, the Aditya-L1 Solar mission and several others.

IUCAA is a major stakeholder in the LIGO-India project, not only for science but also for building and running the observatory. IUCAA has been prominently involved in GW research for more than three decades. At present, there are three functional GW instrumentation laboratories engaged in training & research, and IUCAA is keen to increase the instrumentation R&D activities. In order to boost this effort, a new building has been constructed, which has designated laboratories for GW research. LIGO-India, being a multi-disciplinary mega-science project, offers enormous opportunities for collaboration among national and international institutions and universities in a wide range of fields. It involves exciting, cutting-edge technologies, such as quantum metrology, cryogenics, optics, advanced optical coating technologies, and many more. IUCAA faculty members are expected to play lead roles in core activities of the LIGO-India project and foster collaborations with academic and research institutions and universities.

Instructions for application can be found here: https://www.iucaa.in/en/other-info/faculty-opening

For any questions/clarifications/discussion, please contact Prof. Sanjit Mitra,sanjit(at)iucaa.in.

Posted on

Upcoming Job Opportunities at ESA

Pre-announcements of job opportunities at ESA: the actual openings are always very short (3 weeks) so  people can mentally prepare for those positions before they come out. One of them is the Research Fellowship. The other two are not LISA related but might interest some of you, nevertheless.
  1. Fellowships, the jobs application portal should open for submissions on 26 August with applications due 16 September.
  2. Science Education Scientist & Communications Coordinator — the ESA jobs application portal should open by ~1 September, with applications due 3 weeks later. Detailed description below.
  3. Project Scientist in Astronomy & RF Coordinator — the ESA jobs application portal should open mid-September with applications due 3 weeks later. Detailed description at end of text.

Early Career Opportunities at ESA

Calls open to nationals of ESA member & cooperating states only

Student internships (3-6 months)

  • applications due ~Oct
  • master students (penultimate/final year)

National trainee programme (1+1 year)

  • timelines determined by national agencies
  • master students (final year/recent graduates) from Belgium, Estonia, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal & Switzerland

Young graduate programme (1 year)

  • applications due ~Jan/Feb for start in Sep
  • master students (final year/recent graduates)

ESA co-funded research for PhD students & postdocs (1-1.5 years)

  • applications accepted throughout the year

ESA Research Fellowships for postdocs

ESA Science Research Fellowship

What?

  • independent postdoctoral fellowship for ESA State nationals
  • research project covering any topic in space science
  • 2 + 1 years (proposal for 3rd year extension)

Where?

  • ESTEC (Netherlands), ESAC (Spain) or STScI (USA)

Why?

  • 100% research time (optionally <20% functional work, e.g. archive/data
  • science, citizen science, operations, calibration, communication)
  • insights into ESA environment & activities
  • mentoring from senior ESA Science Faculty members
  • training available (e.g. spacecraft design, soft skills, management)
  • 3500-4600€ net monthly salary (depending on location & experience)
  • comprehensive health Coverage

contact: fellowship(at)cosmos.esa.int
Website: https://www.cosmos.esa.int/web/space-science-faculty/opportunities/research-fellowships

— Science Education Scientist & Communications Coordinator —

We are pleased to announce an exciting upcoming opportunity at ESA Directorate of Science for an experienced science communicator & educator, to be at the forefront of bringing space into education and inspire future generations into STEAM. Get in touch if you have questions!
This is a pre-announcement for a Science Education Scientist and Communication Coordinator. This opportunity is open to ESA Member State nationals and will be based in Spain (European Space Astronomy Centre).

The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. Its mission is to ‘Empower Europe to lead space science’.
The Science Communication and Education Section (SCI-EC) in the Office of Science Engagement and Oversight (SCI-E) is responsible for defining and implementing the Communication and Education Strategy for the Science Directorate of the European Space Agency. It leverages the technological advances and scientific output enabled by the Space Science missions with the aim to inform, engage and inspire a range of stakeholders (ranging from advisory bodies, media, scientists, general public and future generations).
In this role you will be responsible for coordinating and managing the CESAR education initiative – a joint initiative by ESA, the Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial (INTA) and the Ingeniería de Sistemas para la Defensa de España, S.A. (ISDEFE) – to promote and develop educational activities in Spain, Europe and beyond. In particular, you will be in charge of the definition, execution, monitoring and evaluation of education activities, getting to work in a dynamic team of science educators and communicators.
In addition, for up to 50% of your time, you will support the Head of the Science Communication and Education section in planning and implementing the optimal use of resources dedicated to communication and education, including placing contracts, defining and preparing clear procedures to ensure the smooth functioning and integration of our science communication and education activities.
Relevant technical competencies: experience in space science, experience in science communication and education, experience in project management. An advanced knowledge of Spanish and experience in international communications would be an asset.

— Project Scientist in Astronomy & Research Fellows Coordinator —

The European Space Agency maintains a world-leading Science Programme with missions in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics and fundamental physics. Its mission is to ‘Empower Europe to lead space science’. The Office of Science Engagement and Oversight (SCI-E) oversees the scientific content of the Science programme and providing scientific expertise to Science missions, across all phases, from studies to operations and beyond. The Office also manages scientific research, scientific community engagement activities as well as the communication and education efforts for the ESA Directorate of Science.

In this role, the Project Scientist will update and implement policies for guest proposal submission and peer review to ensure a rigorous, transparent, fair and consistent approach across missions. They will also be responsible for strengthening the Space Science Research Fellowship Programme.

This job is particularly well suited to a scientist with a good understanding of and experience in inclusive practices in astronomy and astrophysics communities (and beyond), and an interest in the evolution of these practices to ensure ESA Science missions remain at the forefront of best practice, in particular, regarding Open Science.
Relevant technical competencies: active researcher in a relevant field of space science, knowledge of latest developments in Open Science and/or Peer Review, knowledge and experience in scientific space missions and payloads. Experience in coordinating the scientific community and managing multiple interfaces at international levels and experience in pro