Searching for continuous gravitational waves: PhD and postdoc positions available, Hannover, Germany

More info:  external link
Deadline:  2018-03-31

Location:  Hannover, Germany

The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute, AEI) is a leading research institute in the world specializing in gravitational physics. Around 200 international scientists work at the research labs and offices located in Potsdam-Golm and Hannover, Germany. The working language is English.

The Albert Einstein Institute in Hannover plays a central role in the analysis and interpretation of the ground-breaking observations of gravitational waves. More information can be found at https://www.aei.mpg.de/18636/05_Observational_Relativity_and_Cosmology and https://www.aei.mpg.de/24934/04_Continuous_Waves. The institute prides itself of a very lively environment and world-class computing facilities.

We are inviting applications for outstanding Post-Docs and graduate students (Ph.D. students) interested in joining our efforts to detect continuous gravitational waves. These are waves that have not yet been detected, expected from fast rotating compact objects. The detection problem is possibly one of the most challenging across the various types of GW signals, with the data analysis procedures effectively increasing the detector sensitivity by a significant amount. The group at AEI is the largest group world-wide devoted to this endeavour, designing and carrying out the deepest searches and deploying them on in-house computing resources and on the Einstein[AT]Home volunteer commuting project.

The ideal candidate should have an excellent track record, programming experience, have worked with data, be creative, interested in astronomy and astrophysics, enthusiastic and should like to work in a team. Prior experience with gravitational wave data is not required.

The initial appointment will be for two years with the possibility, upon satisfactory performance, of an extension.

Applications should comprise a CV, publication list and a brief research statement. They should be submitted by email to jobs-gw-han[AT]aei.mpg.de indicating “CW post doc application” or “CW PhD student application” in the subject line. Candidates should also arrange that three letters of reference be sent to jobs-gw-han[AT]aei.mpg.de. Applications will be considered as they are received. The start date is flexible but preferably before the end of September 2018.