Tag: PhD position

IFAE is an internationally recognized center for fundamental research in Particle Physics, Astroparticle Physics, and Cosmology. Its main mission is to advance these fields through theoretical, experimental, and technological research. IFAE offers an international, dynamic, and competitive environment for the training of young researchers. IFAE has been accredited three times with the “Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence” distinction, most recently for the 2025-2029 period.

About the IFAE Gravitational Waves group
The detection of GWs from a black hole binary merger by LIGO in 2015 started a new era in the exploration of the universe. The addition of the Virgo antenna into the network led in 2017 to the detection of a neutron star binary merger that could be followed in electromagnetic signals, representing the beginning of multi-messenger astronomy. At the moment, LIGO and Virgo observation plans extend until 2030 with upgraded detectors. At the same time, work is beginning on the development of the third generation of detectors which will offer an order of magnitude increase in sensitivity.

The ET project, a third-generation experiment to be realized in Europe, has been included in the 2021 EU ESFRI roadmap and has recently entered into the preparatory phase. CE is the planned US contribution to the third-generation GW network, with significant funding from the US NSF and the UK’s STFC for design studies.

IFAE is a member institution of the LVK collaboration. A group of researchers from IFAE has taken significant responsibilities in the Virgo experiment related to the control of the stray light inside the experiment, which is considered a limiting factor for its sensitivity. The group plays an important role in the commissioning, operations and upgrade of the interferometer. For the latter, IFAE is leading the construction of new baffles instrumented with photo sensors around the test masses.

IFAE is actively participating in ET, coordinates the EU Horizon INFRA-DEV project for the ET preparatory phase, and has central responsibilities in the design of the stray light control systems. In addition, IFAE is deeply involved in the detector R&D and optical simulation activities of ET and CE. IFAE works with CERN in the design of the ET vacuum pipes.

The IFAE research program spans many topics in astrophysics and cosmology using LIGO-Virgo data. This includes searches for compact binary coalescence events and determining their mass/spin spectrum, for primordial black holes as candidates for dark matter, and for axion-like signals in continuous GW signals. We perform tests of exotic models for Gravity beyond General Relativity, and cosmological measurements using GWs such as Hubble constant and probes of inflation and phase transitions in the early universe. We are developing new data analysis methods like the use of deep learning and the use of robust statistics. This work is naturally extended to studying physics prospects for the next generation of detectors.

IFAE is supported by its own PIC computing center, a Tier1 LHC center fully integrated into the LIGO/Virgo distributed computing network. IFAE is in a privileged position to analyze the LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA data and, in collaboration with IFAE’s teams in CTA/MAGIC and Observational Cosmology, to fully profit from a multi-messenger approach.

As a PhD student in our group, you will get involved in one of the group’s detector-related activities including LV data characterization, optical simulation studies, or the active monitoring of the stray light inside the LV optical cavities with new photo sensors in an ultra-high vacuum environment. You will also be deeply involved in the physics analysis of the LIGO-Virgo data, in one or more of the subjects described above. In addition, and within the framework of IFAE’s GW research activities, you will be offered significant training and networking opportunities, including extended stays of research in top-level international research centres in Europe and USA.

Required skills and evaluation criteria

To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet the requirements for enrollment in the UAB doctoral program for the 2025/2026 academic year. Key requirements include:

• Holding a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics or a related field.
• Holding a Master’s degree in Physics, Astrophysics, or a related field, which must be completed by the contract start date.
• Basic knowledge on Gravitation.
• We are looking for candidates with a strong background in physics, a pro-active attitude and good communication skills. While not mandatory, previous experience in programming (especially Python or C++), data analysis. Previous experience in Gravitational Wave physics and related technologies will be appreciated.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

The process of evaluation and selection guarantees the principles of open competition, publicity and transparency, according to the following criteria:

• University Records: 50 points
• Computing Skills: 20 points
• Experience on physics analysis: 20 points
• Communication skills in English: 10 points

A Selection Committee will evaluate the received applications. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to give a brief online presentation, followed by a Q&A with the committee.

Offered contract

• Full-time contract (40 h/week)
• Predoctoral contract; 4 years
• The position will correspond to a PhD student.
• Salary will be proportional to experience and qualifications within the corresponding category range.
• Work with interesting experimental science. Opportunity to gain first-hand learning experience.
• Personal growth, innovation and learning every day.
• The selected candidate is expected to join the IFAE as soon as possible.

Application and Selection process

Applicants should have a Master Degree in Physics and provide a motivation letter, a CV and full University Records (transcripts of Bachelor’s and Master’s studies), and arrange for one or two letters of reference, sent to alundgren(at)ifae.es , mmp(at)ifae.es and rrhh(at)ifae.es and including in the subject “IFAE2025/33_GW_SO_PhDStudent”.

All applications received within one month of the opening date will receive full consideration. Sending CVs to the above addresses implies consent to the IFAE’s legal warning on data privacy. For further information please contact: Prof. Andrew Lundgren (alundgren(at)ifae.es ) Prof. Mario Martínez (mmp(at)ifae.es )

Please find here full details.

The Relativistic Astrophysics Group at the University of Valencia (Spain) invites applications for one 4-year PhD position in the Topic of gravitational-wave physics in theories beyond general relativity. This position is linked to the research project “Computational relativistic astrophysics and data analysis in the era of gravitational-wave astronomy” (PID2024-159689NB-C21) of the Spanish Research Agency. The position entails research work on modelling of astrophysical sources of gravitational waves, numerical relativity, and data analysis. Application deadline: October 15th 2025.

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate interested in strong field modifications of general relativity and their test through astrophysical observations of compact objects. The candidate will conduct gravitational-wave source modelling in such theories, with these three main goals: (1) Find new qualitative features in gravitational-wave signals and electromagnetic signals from binary black hole and binary neutron star mergers in modified gravity. (2)
Explore the core-collapse supernova gravitational-wave signature for a rotating progenitor in modified theories of gravity. (3) Model isolated rotating black holes and neutron stars beyond General relativity, studying their observational properties and stability.

The Relativistic Astrophysics Group at the University of Valencia comprises faculty members Pablo Cerdá-Durán, José Antonio Font, Samuel Santos, and Alejandro Torres-Forné, non-tenured faculty Daniela Doneva, Milton Ruiz and Nicolás Sanchis-Gual, and over ten PhD students. The group is part of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration, the Einstein Telescope Collaboration and of the LISA Consortium.

The successful candidate will be supervised by Daniela Doneva.

Applicants should prepare a CV, a brief statement of research interests, the academic transcripts, and the names (address, e-mail) of two potential referees. This documentation has to be sent by email before Oct 15th, 2025 to Toni Font (j.antonio.font(at)uv.es) and Daniela Doneva (daniela.doneva(at)uv.es). The start dates are flexible, but we aim to fill the position as soon as possible.

The University of Valencia is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion encouraging applications from women and/or other underrepresented groups.

Join a pioneering PhD project exploring how massive stars evolve into gravitational-wave sources. Combine stellar physics, simulations and cutting-edge data to uncover the origins of black holes and neutron stars, linking theory with the latest discoveries in this rapidly growing field. Application deadline October 31st 2025.

It has been just over a decade since the first detection of gravitational waves, marking the birth of a new field in astronomy. Since then, the number of detections has grown rapidly: from one, to a few, to hundreds, revealing entire populations of gravitational-wave sources. These signals are produced by black holes and neutron stars, the compact remnants of massive stars.

Many questions on how these populations form remain. To solve this puzzle, we must understand how massive stars are born, interact in binary systems, and how they end their lives as black holes or neutron stars. This will be the topic of this PhD thesis.

As a PhD candidate, you will conduct fundamental research on the evolution of massive binary stars, with a special focus on the systems that give rise to gravitational-wave sources.

This theoretical project will be at the intersection of stellar physics, computational astronomy and an unprecedented amount of data driven by observation. You will learn to run simulations on high-performance computing clusters, ranging from broad parameter studies with rapid binary-population synthesis codes to detailed stellar evolution calculations with 1D stellar evolution codes. The models you develop will be directly linked to new and upcoming observations, including the just-released 4th gravitational-wave observations (O4, released in August 2025) and the Gaia DR4 dataset (expected mid-2026).

Your duties as a teaching assistant cover about 10 percent of your work time, spread over the course of the appointment.

Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate.
Does this sound like you?

You hold a Master's degree in astronomy/physics or a related field, or you expect to obtain your Master’s degree around the starting date of the appointment.
You bring curiosity and enthusiasm, enjoy thinking critically, communicate openly, and take initiative.
You are able to work in a team as well as independently.
You have excellent writing and verbal communication skills in English.

What we offer you

We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).     
You will receive a starting salary of €3,059 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,881 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
We offer Dual Career Coaching. The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. 
You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University’s primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.
Where you will be working

Your PhD project will be supervised by Dr. Lieke van Son (Radboud University) and will be carried out in a highly international setting. Collaboration with international research groups across the globe is expected.

This PhD position is embedded in the Astrophysics Department at the Institute for Mathematics, Astrophysics and Particle Physics (IMAPP) at Radboud University (Nijmegen, Netherlands). We are a very tight-knit and socially active department, currently home to 18 faculty members (junior and senior) and about 65 postdoctoral researchers and PhD candidates. Research at the department covers a broad range of topics, including stellar physics, black hole and accretion physics, gravitational waves, cosmic rays, and instrumentation.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.

We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.

Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

Please find here full details.

The Director of the Center for Theoretical Physics PAS announces a competition for oneScholar-PhD Student position at the CTP PAS, within the research Project Weave-UNISONO „Lensing of electromagnetic and gravitational waves”, financed by the National Science Center (GA no. UMO-2024/06/Y/ST2/00190), and within the Geoplanet doctoral school. The project’s leader 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 October 15th 2025.

The aims of the project are:

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.

The scope of work of the successful Candidates will be pursuing their PhD project at CTP PAS and within the Geoplanet doctoral school. The scope of the project involves:

• Developing software for raytracing of gravitational waves in strong gravitational fields,
• Computing the waveforms from binary black hole systems,
• Theoretical research on wave propagation in curved spacetimes.

Where to apply
E-mail rekrutacja(at)cft.edu.pl

Requirements

• Research Field Astronomy » Astrophysics
• Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
• Research Field Physics » Other
• Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

We expect the Candidates to have:

• MSc in physics, astronomy or compatible,
• Good programming skills and experience in numerical methods,
• Independence and creativity in problem solving.

Knowledge of general relativity would be welcome.

Languages ENGLISH
Level Excellent

Please find here full details.

Join a pioneering PhD project exploring how massive stars evolve into gravitational-wave sources. Combine stellar physics, simulations and cutting-edge data to uncover the origins of black holes and neutron stars, linking theory with the latest discoveries in this rapidly growing field. Application deadline October 31st 2025.

It has been just over a decade since the first detection of gravitational waves, marking the birth of a new field in astronomy. Since then, the number of detections has grown rapidly: from one, to a few, to hundreds, revealing entire populations of gravitational-wave sources. These signals are produced by black holes and neutron stars, the compact remnants of massive stars.

Many questions on how these populations form remain. To solve this puzzle, we must understand how massive stars are born, interact in binary systems, and how they end their lives as black holes or neutron stars. This will be the topic of this PhD thesis.

As a PhD candidate, you will conduct fundamental research on the evolution of massive binary stars, with a special focus on the systems that give rise to gravitational-wave sources.

This theoretical project will be at the intersection of stellar physics, computational astronomy and an unprecedented amount of data driven by observation. You will learn to run simulations on high-performance computing clusters, ranging from broad parameter studies with rapid binary-population synthesis codes to detailed stellar evolution calculations with 1D stellar evolution codes. The models you develop will be directly linked to new and upcoming observations, including the just-released 4th gravitational-wave observations (O4, released in August 2025) and the Gaia DR4 dataset (expected mid-2026).

Your duties as a teaching assistant cover about 10 percent of your work time, spread over the course of the appointment.

Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate.
Does this sound like you?

• You hold a Master’s degree in astronomy/physics or a related field, or you expect to obtain your Master’s degree around the starting date of the appointment.
• You bring curiosity and enthusiasm, enjoy thinking critically, communicate openly, and take initiative.
• You are able to work in a team as well as independently.
• You have excellent writing and verbal communication skills in English.

What we offer you

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).
• You will receive a starting salary of €3,059 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,881 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• We offer Dual Career Coaching. The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University’s primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.
Where you will be working

Your PhD project will be supervised by Dr. Lieke van Son

(Radboud University) and will be carried out in a highly international setting. Collaboration with international research groups across the globe is expected.

This PhD position is embedded in the Astrophysics Department at the Institute for Mathematics, Astrophysics and Particle Physics (IMAPP) at Radboud University (Nijmegen, Netherlands). We are a very tight-knit and socially active department, currently home to 18 faculty members (junior and senior) and about 65 postdoctoral researchers and PhD candidates. Research at the department covers a broad range of topics, including stellar physics, black hole and accretion physics, gravitational waves, cosmic rays, and instrumentation.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.

We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.

Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

Please find here full details.

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.

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

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.

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.

The Einstein-First project in the university of Western Australia is seeking PhD and Masters students with a background in modern physics (including quantum physics and relativity), strong interest in science communication, experience in science teaching and aptitude in quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Closing date: December 1st 2026.

Please find here full details and how to apply.