Tag: postdoctoral position

The “Computational Relativistic Astrophysics" division at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute; AEI) in Potsdam led by Masaru Shibata (director) announces the opening of postdoc appointments. Each available postdoctoral position will be for a duration of 2 - 3 years.

The “Computational Relativistic Astrophysics” division is currently composed of two group leaders (Kenta Kiuchi, Kyohei Kawaguchi), 1 senior scientist (Takami Kuroda), and several postdoc researchers and students, and focuses on several research topics in relativistic astrophysics including neutron star mergers, collapsars, nucleosynthesis, stellar core collapse and explosion, formation and evolution of very massive and supermassive black holes, and multi-messenger astrophysics.

The researchers in the “Computational Relativistic Astrophysics” division can use high-performance computers at the Max Planck Computing and Data Facility (MPCDF: https://www.mpcdf.mpg.de).

To apply for a postdoctoral position at the AEI in Potsdam, please fill out this form.

Applicants will be asked to upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, list of publications and statement of research interests. Applicants will need to indicate the names of three referees for recommendation letters. Referees will be notified by email on how to upload the letters (in case of problems referees could send the letters directly to nrjobs(at)aei.mpg.de).

The deadline for the full consideration is December 13th, 2026. The positions will be available from September 1st 2027.

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). A projection of the gross and net salary based on the TVöD regulations will be prepared in case an offer is made.

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

For further information, please contact Matthias Blittersdorf: matthias.blittersdorf(at)aei.mpg.de.

Please find here details.

The Italian Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN) invites expressions of interest for postdoctoral positions in Rome, Italy. The postdoctoral positions will be funded under the European Research Council Starting Grant (ERC StG) GravitySirens.  

The postdocs will join the research group led by Dr. Simone Mastrogiovanni and will focus on gravitational-wave cosmology with dark standard sirens. The research group currently has 4 PhD students, 2 postdocs, and 3 master’s students. INFN Rome is located inside Sapienza University, one of the largest Universities in Europe. Postdocs will have the opportunity to join the Virgo, Einstein Telescope, and Euclid groups in Rome. The INFN Virgo Rome group has about 35 researchers, including PhD students, postdocs, and 18 faculty.

We are particularly eager to receive expressions of interest from candidates with experience in (i) Galaxy surveys from current facilities such as Vera Rubin LSST, Euclid, the Dark Energy Survey, (ii) Galaxy field-level inference and (iii) cosmological inference with cross-correlation of Large Scale Structure tracers.

The postdoctoral positions are expected to start in 2027 and can be from 2 to 3 years depending on availability. All candidates must hold or soon be completing a Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy or Astrophysics.

Interested candidates should send (i) a motivation letter, (ii) a curriculum vitae, indicating the date the PhD was or will be awarded (iii) a research statement, and (iv) two contacts for reference letters.

Expressions of interest should be sent via this Google Form, and reference letters should be sent to Simone Mastrogiovanni (simone.mastrogiovanni[AT]roma1.infn.it).

Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline for full consideration of the expressions of interest, including reference letters, is September 30th, 2026.

Please feel free to forward this announcement to potential candidates.

For any other information, please do not hesitate to reach out to Simone Mastrogiovanni (simone.mastrogiovanni[AT]roma1.infn.it).

Please find here details.

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.

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.

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.

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.

University of Birmingham is seeking to appoint a postdoctoral researcher to work on developing analysis approaches for low frequency observations of gravitational waves to improving our understanding of the formation and evolution of supermassive black holes. The applicant will join the Institute for Gravitational Wave Astronomy at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom – one of the globally leading institutes in gravitational wave-research. The successful applicant should have a background in data analysis techniques and in astrophysics of massive black hole binaries. Apply Before 10/01/2026, 12:59 AM.

The Institute for Gravitational Wave Astronomy provides a vibrant and diverse environment with expertise across key areas of gravitational-wave astronomy: From theoretical to experimental gravitational-wave research, with applications to present and future-generation detectors, theoretical astrophysics, transient astronomy, gravitational-wave source modelling including numerical relativity, and general relativity theory.

The School of Physics and Astronomy is a world-leading physics department, excelling in both research and teaching. Our physics research was recently ranked top in the UK for 4-star-category research, and 4th by GPA, by the Research Excellence Framework 2021. The 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Professor Mike Kosterlitz and Professor David Thouless jointly for their work into the discoveries of the properties of matter, work which started when they were at Birmingham together. The 2017 Nobel Prize was awarded for the detection of gravitational waves, in which Birmingham staff played a key role. The School is an excellent environment for an upcoming academic.

The School’s research portfolio is wide-ranging, and covers three principal themes: Quantum Matter; Particle and Nuclear Physics; and Astronomy and Experimental Gravity. It has over 120 academic and research staff together with 120 graduate students with around 50 technical and clerical support staff.

The University of Birmingham is an equal opportunity employer. The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Athena SWAN Silver Award holder and JUNO Champion, welcomes people from all backgrounds and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who we are. We encourage applications from all qualified applicants; those from traditionally under-represented groups in this discipline are particularly welcome.

Role Summary

• Working within specified research grants and projects and contributing to writing bids
• Operating within the area of gravitational-waves and astrophysics
• Developing and implementing analysis approaches for single source and populations in the context of nanohertz gravitational-wave observations
• Applying probabilistic inference to gravitational waves, including through machine learning techniques
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• PhD (or near to completion) in Physics, Astrophysics, or a related subject
• High level analytical capability
• The ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• The ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• The ability to contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• The ability to coordinate work with others and to work within a research team to achieve common goals, avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in their own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
• The fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Fluency and experience with high performance and/or high throughput computing
• Expertise in the theory and usage of high-level Bayesian and/or frequentist statistical data analysis techniques, including stochastic processes and machine learning; expertise in analytical and numerical modelling of gravitational-wave sources, and the astrophysical processes governing their populations; expertise in analysing and interpreting pulsar timing array datasets.

Informal enquiries to Bence Becsy, email: b.becsy(at)bham.ac.uk

Please find here details.