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25 PhD Positions in Astronomy and Astrophysics in Munich

The International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) on Astrophysics at Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) Munich invites applications for its international PhD program.

Located in the vibrant Munich–Garching science campus in southern Germany, the IMPRS offers a unique research environment through the close collaboration of four world-renowned institutions: MPI for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE), University Observatory Munich, LMU (USM, MPI for Astrophysics (MPA), European Southern Observatory (ESO).

The IMPRS provides a highly competitive doctoral program that combines advanced lecture courses, seminars, and an independent research project leading to a PhD degree under the supervision of leading scientists at one of the participating institutions. The language of instruction is English.

The students have access to some of the world’s most powerful ground- and space-based observatories, state-of-the-art scientific instrumentation, and high-performance computing facilities for advanced numerical simulations and theoretical research. Applications are welcome from outstanding students of all nationalities. Application deadline: November 1st 2026.

Successful applicants receive either a fully funded employment contract or a fellowship providing financial support sufficient to cover living expenses in Munich. We also offer comprehensive assistance with visa procedures, relocation, accommodation, and all administrative matters to ensure a smooth start.

Please find here details and how to apply.

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ESO Fellowship Programme 2026 / 2027

The European Southern Observatory awards several postdoctoral fellowships each year, offering outstanding early-career scientists the opportunity to develop their independent research programmes in the exciting scientific environment of one of the world's foremost observatories. Fellowships are available both at ESO’s Headquarters in Garching near Munich, Germany, and at ESO’s astronomy centre in Santiago, Chile. Application deadline October 15th 2026.

The fellowships in Garching are awarded initially for one year followed by a two-year extension (three years total). In addition to developing their independent research programmes, ESO-Garching Fellows will be expected to engage in some functional work, at a level of 25% of their time, related to e.g. instrumentation, ALMA, E-ELT, VLT, or science operations support in Garching or Chile.

The fellowships in Chile are granted for one year initially, with annual extensions for three additional years (four years total). During the first three years, Fellows are assigned to one of the science operations groups of Paranal or ALMA, where they will contribute to the operations at a level of 80 nights per year (equivalent to 50% of their work). The fourth year may be spent at any ESO site, or at any astronomical institute in an ESO member state, strategic partner, or in Chile. There are no functional duties during the fourth year. However, in the case that the fourth year is spent at ESO Chile, Fellows can request to carry out functional work up to 25% of their time.

The ESO Fellowship Programme is open to applicants who will have obtained their PhD in astronomy, physics or a related discipline before 1 November 2027. Early-career scientists from all astrophysical fields are welcome to apply. While scientific excellence is the primary selection criterion for all fellowships, candidates should also explain (in their motivation letter) how ESO’s facilities and their work at ESO would facilitate their scientific development.

We offer an attractive remuneration package including a competitive salary and comprehensive social benefits. More information about the fellowship programme and ESO’s astronomical research activities can be found at this link.

Please find here details.

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Assistant / Associate Professor in Gravitational Wave Physics at Imperial College London

Gravitational wave (GW) physics has opened a new observational window into the Universe, enabling fundamental tests of gravity, probing compact objects and fundamental physics, and providing new constraints on cosmology. With next-generation observatories including LIGO, the Einstein Telescope, LISA, NanoGrav/PTA and the Simons Observatory reaching new sensitivities or coming online, the field is at an exciting point in its development.

The Department of Physics at Imperial College London has internationally leading expertise in theoretical and experimental physics, spanning astrophysics, cosmology, gravity, fundamental physics and precision measurement. We seek an outstanding academic to join us as an Assistant or Associate Professor in Gravitational Wave Physics.

This appointment represents a strategic investment in a priority growth area for the Department. It is an exceptional opportunity to build or further develop a world-class research programme, strengthen Imperial’s engagement with major international GW collaborations, and inspire the next generation of physicists.

The successful candidate will join Imperial’s Physics of the Universe research community, which brings together world-leading researchers across cosmology, astrophysics, gravitational and fundamental physics, with strong opportunities for collaboration across the Department and wider University.

We welcome applications across the full breadth of gravitational wave physics, including theoretical, computational, observational and experimental approaches. Candidates should have an excellent research record appropriate to their career stage and a commitment to high-quality teaching, supervision and academic citizenship.

The appointment is full-time and open-ended, based at Imperial’s South Kensington Campus in London, with an anticipated start date after 1 January 2027.

Closing date: 30 September 2026.

Please see here or at the Imperial College London job listing for full details, person specification and application information.

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Postdoctoral fellowships in AI for gravitational waves at the National University of Singapore

Applications are invited for a number of postdoctoral research fellowships in the Department of Physics and the Department of Statistics and Data Science at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Successful candidates will contribute to a Singapore National Research Foundation (NRF)-funded research programme on artificial intelligence for gravitational-wave astronomy, based at NRF's Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise, and supervised by a team of PIs at NUS: Alvin Chua, Li Cheng, Alexandre Thiery and David Nott. Application close October 31st 2026.

We seek applicants with strong expertise in scientific analysis for gravitational-wave astronomy and/or statistical machine learning for science. Those with a more general background in applied mathematics, statistics, data science or computational science will also be considered. Relevant areas of expertise can include (but are not limited to) topics such as surrogate modelling, representation learning, self-supervised learning, Bayesian optimisation, Gaussian processes, Monte Carlo methods, reinforcement learning, simulation-based inference, and model misspecification.

The ideal candidates for these positions will possess skills and interests in both theoretical and computational research, a willingness to diversify their expertise and to be involved in cross-disciplinary projects, as well as the disposition to work well independently and as part of a team.

The initial appointment is for one year, with expected renewal up to two or three years in total, and could start as early as March 2027. Each position comes with a competitive salary and personal benefits, as well as travel support for international conferences/visits. There will also be opportunities for successful candidates to gain additional experience in supervising research students during their appointment.

Applicants should submit the following materials via e-mail to ai4gw.nus(at)gmail.com: a cover letter, their CV and list of publications, a short statement of research, and the e-mail addresses of three academic referees who will provide letters of reference. All materials should be received by 31 October 2026 for full consideration.

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ESA – Archival Research Visitor Programme

To increase the scientific return from its space science missions, ESA welcomes applications from scientists interested in pursuing research based on publicly available data in the ESA Space Science Archives. The Archives host data from all current and past ESA space science missions in astronomy, planetary science, and heliophysics.

The ESA Archival Research Visitor Programme is open to scientists at all career levels who are affiliated with institutes in ESA Member States and Cooperating States (note that all visits must comply with the ESA Security Directives, which may necessitate additional checks). Early-career scientists are particularly encouraged to apply, including PhD students (see below). We encourage applications from women and minorities. The peer-review evaluation process is anonymised to ensure equal opportunities for all applicants.

Residence lasts typically between one and three months, also distributed over multiple visits, depending on the complexity of the research project. The research projects can be carried out at ESAC (Madrid, Spain) and at ESTEC (Noordwijk, Netherlands). To offset the expenses incurred by visitors, ESA covers travel costs from and to the home institution and provides support for lodging expenses and meals.

During their stay, visiting scientists have the opportunity to interact with archive and mission specialists for questions on the retrieval, calibration, and analysis of archival data. In principle, all areas of space research covered by ESA science missions can be supported (the data must be publicly available in the archives). To ensure that technical expertise in the specific area of interest is available at ESAC or ESTEC, applicants should consult the table of expertise and contact the relevant scientists in their field of interest (this is very important). In case of doubts, write to the programme coordinators for assistance at arvp(at)cosmos.esa.int.

The next deadline for applications is Saturday 31 October 2026, 23:59 UTC

Please find here full details.

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LIGO Laboratory Job Opening: Research Engineer, at LIGO Caltech

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) Laboratory seeks a highly motivated and skilled Research Engineer to join its team. LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing gravitational-waves. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world-leading observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. The LIGO Laboratory’s mission spans a broad and vibrant array of activities related to gravitational-wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements, gravitational-wave astrophysics, observatory operations, and education and public outreach. For more information, please visit the Laboratory website at www.ligo.caltech.edu. This position is an in-person role located in Pasadena, California.
As a Research Engineer in the LIGO Laboratory, you will have the opportunity to apply your skills to the design and implementation of technologies that increase the LIGO detector sensitivity and astrophysical reach, and to the development of the future interferometric detectors of the next decades. This position focuses on the development and characterization of the extremely high performance systems used for the LIGO interferometer, including but not limited to: the test mass mirrors, a critical component with state of the art performance: greater than 99.999% reflection, extremely low scatter, sub-part-per-million absorption and very low thermal noise; laser systems with unparalleled stability; seismic and vibration isolation systems; optical telescopes and sensors.

This is a highly multidisciplinary activity and your interests and passions will play a role in defining which research aspect you will focus primarily on.

You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to many different parts and aspects of the current and future LIGO detectors, and there will be many opportunities to develop new skills and expertise.

Essential Job Duties

  • Support the cutting edge R&D program at the LIGO laboratory aimed at improving the sensitivity of the current and future detectors, in collaboration with scientists and engineers in the LIGO Laboratory and the LIGO Scientific Collaboration.
  • Support the development, characterization and deployment of LIGO core optics components, such as test masses and other optical components.
  • Design, construct and operate experiments and measurement systems to test new coatings and new technologies for current and future gravitational-wave instruments.
  • Collaborate in the R&D for core components of the LIGO interferometers including: seismic isolation, suspensions, core optics, lasers, mode matching systems, adaptive optics systems.
  • Collaborate with vendors and other research groups on the development of technologies and components relevant for the LIGO detector upgrades.
  • Develop strong working relationships and collaborations with scientists and engineers at the two LIGO Observatories.
  • This position requires occasional travel to other LIGO installations and collaborating institutions in Livingston, Louisiana, Hanford, Washington, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and possibly internationally.
  • Applicants must be able to work in a cleanroom and laser environment for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to lift and/or carry 20 or more pounds of lab and/or prototype equipment.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

  • A Bachelor in Physics, Engineering, Optics, or related experimental field.
  • A minimum of 3 years post bachelor degree experience as an experimental physicist, engineer or equivalent laboratory setting; this can be in a professional work environment or as part of further education.
  • A minimum of 2 years experience with scientific computations and modeling using MATLAB, python or similar tools; this can be a significant contribution to a research project or work for a private employer.
  • Experience with the design and construction of engineered systems or research experiments.
  • Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, as presentation of your work and findings to senior member of the LIGO laboratory is critical.
  • Demonstrable experience of successfully working with a team.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master or Ph.D. in Physics or equivalent experience.
  • Experience with mechanical CAD (Solidworks or equivalent) and Optical Design CAD (Zemax or equivalent).
  • Experience with gravitational-wave detector technology.

Required Documents

  • A cover letter is a required document for this position. Please write a letter that summarizes your relevant experience and your interest in working at LIGO.
  • Resume.

Please find here details.

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LIGO Laboratory Job Opening: Senior Scientist, at LIGO Caltech

LIGO Laboratory (the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) seeks a highly motivated and skilled Senior Scientist to join its team with experience in research, design and problem solving in a collaborative environment. LIGO Laboratory is a National Science Foundation major facility dedicated to observing gravitational-waves. Jointly operated by the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the LIGO Laboratory operates world-leading observatories near Richland, WA and Baton Rouge, LA as well as R&D centers on the Caltech and MIT campuses. The LIGO Laboratory’s mission spans a broad and vibrant array of activities related to gravitational-wave physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements, gravitational-wave astrophysics, observatory operations, and education and public outreach. For more information, please visit the Laboratory website at www.ligo.caltech.edu. This position is an in-person role located in Pasadena, California.  The successful candidate will report to the most senior engineers at LIGO Lab. Given how important core optics and optical coatings are for LIGO today and LIGO tomorrow this is an important position and offers the individual an important role within LIGO Lab. This is an exciting opportunity to work with world-leading scientists and engineers on cutting-edge science. This selected candidate will be a vital part of our talented team, helping to lead LIGO into the future.

A full list of the job duties including opportunities for creativity, direction and planning are listed below.  

Essential Job Duties

  • Perform optical design and analysis.
  • Conducting research on optical designs and optical coatings.
  • Direct and assist with testing, analysis, and oversight of precision optical metrology instruments to test hypotheses and gather data.
  • Support the operation and maintenance of world-class, precision optical characterization and metrology facilities. 
  • Develop optical specifications, policies, and procedures. 
  • Provide technical expert support for multi-million-dollar contracts with optics and coating fabricators providing cutting edge technology that enables LIGO’s extreme sensitivity. 
  • Provide ongoing modifications and solution alternatives to meet current and future research and observatory requirements 
  • Conceptualize the design and direct the development of enhanced measurement techniques and improved optics.
  • Diagnose and design solutions and modifications in response to optic, optical equipment or component malfunctions and failures.
  • Support the current lead with overseeing the Caltech Optical Sciences Group, including technical, budget, resource, and task management 
  • Provide technical guidance as well as technical oversight to matrixed engineering and science staff working on optics, opto-electronics, and interferometry.
  • Communicate (written and verbal) technical progress and budget/resource status on various projects, internally within the organization and externally to parties outside the organization
  • Over time, take on people-management responsibilities and coach junior staff, encourage professional development, conduct annual reviews and nurture the team.
  • Other Duties as Assigned

Basic Qualifications

  • BS in Physics, Astronomy or Engineering.
  • A minimum of 10 years of experience with high precision optics.
  • A minimum of 8 years of experience in mentoring junior scientists and/or students.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of optical design, analysis, and testing for interferometry.
  • Experience directly using scientific observation and analysis, creative thinking, and method development to solve problems related to optics and optical systems. 
  • Significant experience with precision optical metrology.
  • Significant experience with technical specifications and support for contracting optical fabrication.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Masters or a PhD. in a related field.
  • Significant experience in technical supervision of a group of 5 or more staff.
  • Experience in project management including use of MS Project for project management and planning.
  • History of working in and with International Collaborations with Optical scientists and other professionals, including mechanical, electrical, and computer engineers, physicists, and research scientists, to invent original concepts for optical products and improve existing devices.

Required Documents

  • Resume. 
  • Cover Letter is a required document for this position. Please summarize your relevant experience and your interest in working at LIGO Lab.

Please find here full details.

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PhD Researcher in Compact High-Precision Sensors for Science and Industry at nikhef

This vacancy is for a four-year PhD position focusing on the development of the optical readout of the CHiPS sensor. Your research will centre on a homodyne quadrature interferometric readout, with the aim of combining high sensitivity with the robustness and stability required for continuous operation. You will investigate and develop the interferometric sensing architecture through modelling, experimental development and characterisation. The readout will be designed to operate in both open-loop mode, using fringe counting, and closed-loop mode. Developing the closed-loop system will involve close collaboration with the control-design PhD researcher at TU Delft, while achieving a robust and compact sensor will require close interaction with the optomechanics PhD researcher. The deadline for applications is Sunday 4 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST.

The position

Many state-of-the-art sensors demonstrate exceptional performance in the laboratory, but achieving that performance can require careful manual optimisation, frequent recalibration or precise realignment. Such an approach is not sufficient for applications that require sensors to operate continuously and autonomously in demanding environments.

The CHiPS (Compact High-Precision Sensors) project aims to address this challenge by combining advanced sensing and control techniques into compact, robust and extremely high-performance inertial sensors. The goal is to move beyond laboratory demonstrations and develop sensors that can operate reliably for extended periods without manual intervention. The resulting technology will target applications ranging from semiconductor manufacturing to next-generation gravitational-wave detectors.

The CHiPS project is being carried out by a team of three PhD researchers: one based in the gravitational-wave research group at Nikhef (this vacancy) and two based in the Precision and Microsystems Engineering (PME) department at Delft University of Technology. The three PhD projects address complementary aspects of the sensor:

  • optical readout and interferometric sensing at Nikhef;
  • optomechanical design at TU Delft; and
  • sensing, control and feedback at TU Delft.

The project is funded through the Dutch National Growth Fund NXTGEN programme of NWO and is carried out in collaboration with industrial and academic partners, including ASML.

Please find here full details

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Research Position (Postdoc) in the field Gravitational Wave Detector Instrumentation at Leibniz Universität Hannover

The Institute for Gravitational Physics invites applications for the following position starting at the earliest possible date: Research Position (Postdoc) in the field Gravitational Wave Detector Instrumentation (salary scale 13 TV-L, 100 %). The fixed-term position is limited to 3 years.

This position is part of the project “Developing a modular suspension platform interferometer for the Einstein Telescope” which aims to investigate and design an ultra-sensitive interferometric sensor for sensing and controlling the motion between seismically isolated platforms for the next generation Einstein Telescope gravitational wave detector.

The research will be carried out at the 10m Prototype Facility (https://10m.aei.mpg.de/) which is jointly operated by Leibniz University Hannover and the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics. This project will build upon pioneering research conducted in this research group and ensure that a design of an inter-platform sensor specific for Einstein Telescope will be mature and ready for installation. 

Your responsibilities 

  • Deriving requirements for inter-platform motion in Einstein Telescope and utilising available simulation tools and working closely with other working groups within the Einstein Telescope collaboration
  • Supporting the work to develop, design, build and validate a prototype inter-platform motion sensor that will be compatible with Einstein Telescope

Who are we looking for?

Prerequisite for employment is a completed university degree in physics, optical engineering, or comparable field. A doctorate and a strong background in and experience with gravitational wave detector instrumentation are preferred.

Furthermore, you must have the following qualifications:

  • An excellent understanding of optics, interferometry and mechanics with proficiency in both optical laboratories and undertaking optical and/or mechanical simulations
  • Very good written and spoken English with excellent communications skills to engage with an international research team
  • Excellent organizational skills, own initiative, and the ability to familiarise oneself with new areas of work is required
  • Experience with supervision of students

Prior involvement with the Einstein Telescope collaboration and/or other international gravitational wave detector collaborations is highly desirable but not required. 

Equal opportunities and diversity are core values at Leibniz University Hannover. Our goal is to tap into individual potential and open up possibilities. We therefore welcome applications from anyone interested in the position, irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or ideology, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

We strive towards a balanced and diverse workforce and a reduction in under-representation in accordance with the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz – NGG). We therefore also welcome applications from women for the above-mentioned position. Preference will be given to equally-qualified candidates with disabilities. 

Why join us?

This position will provide the opportunity to join a dynamic team in a motivating work environment as part of large international collaborations, and take the opportunity to carry out precision experiments at this world-class research facility.

Through our collaboration with the QUEST Leibniz Research School and the Cluster of Excellence QuantumFrontiers, we offer outstanding development opportunities, actively support scientific staff in their career development. This includes a wide range training opportunities in soft skills and networking opportunities. 

Part-time employment as well as remote work (mobile work, work from home) can be arranged upon request. We support employees with balancing work and family life, through services such as back-up childcare, childcare during school holidays, and parent-child offices, as well as providing individual advice regarding family responsibilities and caring for dependants.

Additional information

For further information, please contact Dr. David Wu (tel.: +49 (0)511 762-5845, email: david.wu(at)aei.uni-hannover.de). 

Applications 

Please arrange for up to two letters of recommendation to be sent directly by your reference/s, and submit your application consisting of a cover letter, curriculum vitae and copies of your academic degrees by 11th October 2026 to

Email: david.wu(at)aei.uni-hannover.de 
using the subject “ET-SPI-2026-Postdoc Application” 

or alternatively by post to:
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover
Institute for Gravitational Physics
Dr. David Wu
Callinstr. 38, 30167 Hannover
Germany

Please find here details.

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Assistant / Associate Professor in Gravitational Wave Physics at Imperial College London

The Department of Physics at Imperial College London seeks an outstanding academic to join us as an Assistant Professor or Associate Professor in Gravitational Wave Physics. 
Closing date: 30 September 2026, 23:59 hours Midnight BST
It is anticipated that this appointment would commence after 1 January 2027.

Gravitational wave (GW) physics has opened an entirely new observational window into the Universe – enabling fundamental tests of gravity, probing the fundamental laws of nature, properties of compact objects, and offering unprecedented constraints on cosmology. With next-generation observatories including LIGO, the Einstein Telescope, LISA, NanoGrav/PTA, and the Simons Observatory either reaching new sensitivities or coming online imminently, the field is at an extraordinary inflection point.

The Department of Physics at Imperial has internationally leading expertise in theoretical and experimental physics, spanning astrophysics, cosmology, gravity, fundamental physics and precision measurement. It is consistently ranked among the very best in the UK and worldwide. This is an exceptional opportunity to extend the existing expertise at Imperial by building your own world-class research group, lead Imperial’s engagement with major international GW collaborations, and inspire the next generation of physicists.

We are seeking an outstanding academic who is committed to excellence in research, teaching, and academic citizenship. We welcome applications from candidates across the full breadth of gravitational wave physics, spanning theoretical, computational, observational and experimental approaches.

You will be able to demonstrate:

  • A PhD in Physics or in a closely related field, or equivalent.
  • A strong research record with publications of outstanding quality.
  • A clear plan to build or further develop an internationally leading research programme that enhances the Department’s profile.
  • Commitment to high-quality teaching and supervision of students.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills appropriate to your career stage.
  • At the Assistant Professor level, you will have clear potential to develop an international reputation in Gravitational Wave Physics.
  • At the Associate Professor level, you will have an established profile and emerging international recognition in Gravitational Wave Physics.

Further information

Closing date: 30 September 2026, 23:59 hours Midnight BST

It is anticipated that this appointment would commence after 1 January 2027.

The Department of Physics is part of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Imperial College London. We are an internationally renowned Physics department, which enables us to create groups of international standing, and with sufficient scale and critical mass, that they influence the research agenda and attract the world’s top researchers. The Department is structured into five Research Communities that drive new research directions: Light, Matter, Physics of Particles, Physics of the Universe, and Space, Plasma and Climate.

The Universe Community hosts world-leading researchers across cosmology, astrophysics, gravitational and fundamental physics, and this appointment represents a strategic investment in a priority growth area for the Department. Staff can associate with multiple Communities, providing the flexibility needed to tackle multidisciplinary challenges.

Imperial College is committed to equality of opportunity, eliminating discrimination and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. The

Department of Physics is also proud to hold an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and thriving community. We value the strength that comes from diverse perspectives, and we warmly welcome applications from talented people of all backgrounds, and particularly those underrepresented in physics, to join our vibrant community supported by initiatives that promote collaboration, inclusivity, and professional development.

Find out more about our inclusive environment.

If you would like more information or have specific queries about the role, please contact: Professor Stefan Söldner-Rembold, Head of Department – s.soldner-rembold(at)imperial.ac.uk or Professor Claudia de Rham, Head of the Universe Community and Professor of Theoretical Physics – c.de-rham(at)imperial.ac.uk.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Physics Knowledge Hub – physicsconnect(at)imperial.ac.uk.

Please visit Description | Jobs | Imperial College London Job Number NAT02262 for more information or to apply for the position.