Post-doctoral and Ph.D. positions in Gravitational-Wave Astronomy at the AEI

More info:  external link
Deadline:  2014-01-10

Location:  Potsdam, Germany

As a result of the recent appointment (starting in September 2014) of Prof. Alessandra Buonanno as director of the “Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity” division of the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) in Potsdam, several postdoc appointments will be available beginning September 2014. The positions are available at different levels, depending on experience and seniority. Students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. in gravitational-wave astronomy are also invited to apply.

The “Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity” division will focus on several aspects of gravitational-wave astronomy, including (i) theoretical gravitational dynamics (post-Newtonian theory, gravitational self-force approach, perturbation theory and effective-one-body formalism), (ii) numerical simulations of gravitational-wave sources, (iii) source modeling and analysis of data from gravitational-wave detectors, and (iv) astrophysics of compact objects. Members of the division will have the opportunity to join the LIGO Scientific Collaboration through the group’s membership. They could also be involved in Pulsar-Timing-Array projects and the eLISA mission, which was recently approved by ESA.

A strong visitor program will be established to create a lively and vibrant research environment.

In brief, the relevant research areas for these positions are:

– Gravitation Theory
– Analytical Relativity
– Numerical Relativity
– Gravitational-Wave Data Analysis and Phenomenology
– Relativistic Astrophysics

The gravitational-wave data-analysis research includes work on the detection of continuous gravitational-wave signals, led by Dr. Maria Alessandra Papa’s group. Postdoctoral candidates interested in this research topic are also encouraged to apply.

The “Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity” division has high-performance clusters to run numerical-relativity simulations, and carry out source modeling and data-analysis studies.

The “Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity” division will have interactions with the “Observational Relativity and Cosmology” division led by Prof. Bruce Allen and the “Laser Interferometry and Gravitational Wave Astronomy” division led by Prof. Karsten Danzmann, which are located at the Albert Einstein Institute in Hannover.

The “Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity” division will have also ties with the Physics Department at the University of Maryland, notably the gravitation theory and experimental groups, and the Joint Space-Science Institute.

To apply for a postdoctoral position please fill out this form:

https://lotus1.aei.mpg.de/job-form.nsf/gwpostdocjobs.xsp

and upload a curriculum vitae, list of publications and statement of past, current and future research interests. Applicants would 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 gwjobs[AT]aei.mpg.de).

If you are interested in doing a Ph.D. at the AEI please fill out this form:

https://lotus1.aei.mpg.de/job-form.nsf/gwstudentjobs.xsp

and upload a curriculum vitae, list of publications and statement of past, current and future research interests. Applicants would 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 gwjobs[AT]aei.mpg.de).

Contact:
Mrs. Ute Schlichtung
Max-Planck-Institut fur Gravitationsphysik Albert-Einstein-Institut
Am Muehlenberg 1
D-14476 Golm
Germany
email gwjobs[AT]aei.mpg.de

Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline for full consideration is January 10, 2014. The search will continue until positions are filled. The Max Planck Institute encourages applications from women and members of underrepresented groups.

For further information please send an email to Alessandra Buonanno (buonanno[AT]aei.mpg.de)

This advertisement can also be found here:
http://www.aei.mpg.de/1121114/gwjobs2014