The Center of Gravity at the Niels Bohr Institute (NBI) invites expressions of interest for a PhD fellowship in gravitational-wave theory and solutions to the relativistic 2-body problem under the supervision of Maarten van de Meent. The preferred starting date is Fall 2027. To receive full consideration, interested candidates should upload the material requested below before December 15th, 2026. The search will remain open until the optimal candidates are found.
Successful candidates will join the GWSKy project, funded by an ERC Synergy Grant. We are particularly interested in hiring creative and highly motivated candidates who can work collaboratively in a vibrant, welcoming, and synergistic group. The ERC-funded project called “Making sense of the unexpected in the gravitational-wave sky (GWSky)” is led by PIs Maarten van de Meent (NBI, Copenhagen, Denmark), Enrico Barausse (SISSA, Trieste, Italy), Zvi Bern (University of California, Los Angeles, US), and Alessandra Buonanno (Albert Einstein Institute, Potsdam). Given the synergistic aspect of the GWSky project, we anticipate the possibility of PhD students having a co-supervisor at one of the other nodes, and for them having the opportunity to have extended visits there.
The aim of the GWSky project is to use gravitational-wave measurements by existing and future observatories on the Earth and in space as precision laboratories for fundamental physics, cosmology, and astrophysics. This includes the current LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA detectors, as well as the future ground-based observatories Cosmic Explorer and Einstein Telescope, and the space-based detector LISA. By leveraging the PIs and their team’s expertise, the GWSky project aims to develop a groundbreaking framework capable of solving the highly nonlinear equations of Einstein’s General theory of Relativity, creating waveform models with unprecedented accuracy, and translating these results into practical tools for interpreting the data.
More information can be found on the website: https://gwsky.org/
Possible topics include: development of gravitational self-force methods at second order in the mass-ratio; incorporation of environmental and/or beyond GR effects in the self-force formalism; and utilization of self-force data to enhance effective-one-body waveform models.
The Center of Gravity (CoG) is a center for new ideas about the foundations of physics. We bring together cutting-edge research in observations of black holes and in the formal theory of relativistic and quantum aspects of gravity, completing the visions of Bohr and Einstein for the gravitational interaction. Our research endeavor spans from data analysis to theoretical disciplines within astrophysics and high-energy physics, and we aim to drive gravitational-wave physics to an exciting future. We have our physical home in the beautiful and legendary building at Blegdamsvej 17, established by Niels Bohr. This is the place where quantum theory was born and where many exciting new developments in gravity are now taking place. Today, the Niels Bohr Institute carries an important legacy in physics and is one of the leading institutes in theoretical and experimental physics. At the Center of Gravity, we hope to carry on the pioneering spirit that has defined our predecessors at the Niels Bohr Institute through trailblazing and fundamental research. More information can be found on the website: https://the-center-of-gravity.com/ The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes expressions of interest from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background. PhD students at the University of Copenhagen receive a competitive salary (including pension) and funds for travel and computing. Generous parental leave, state-subsidized childcare, vacation, and full medical care are provided to employees in Denmark.
For any inquiries, kindly send an email to Maarten.Meent(at)nbi.ku.dk, with email subject “PhD Fellowship in Gravitational Self-Force”
Please find here full details and how to apply.