Contact: t.p.hinderer[AT]uu.nlLocation: Utrecht, The Netherlands
The Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITP) at Utrecht University has an opening for a PhD position at the interface of gravitational waves, particle physics, and cosmology. As the successful candidate you will work with Dr Elisa Chisari, Dr Tanja Hinderer, and Dr Tomislav Prokopec on observational manifestations of physics beyond the standard model of particle physics and General Relativity, and the early universe, with gravitational waves. The topics will encompass phase transitions in the early universe, gravitational-wave transients, and gravitational-wave imprints on the large-scale structure, with emphasis on connections and joint interpretations for fundamental physics. The group is active in diverse sub-fields including theory, modeling, and data analysis, and is involved in the Virgo collaboration, the LISA consortium, the 3G science case, and large-scale structure surveys (the Kilo-Degree Survey, LSST, Euclid). You will also have the opportunity to closely interact with other members of the String Theory, Cosmology and Elementary Particles group at the ITP (Dr Grimm, Dr Gursoy, Dr Plauschinn and Prof Vandoren), and with the data analysis groups at the Gravitational Waves and Subatomic Physics Institute (Dr Caudill, Prof Van den Broeck).
The preferred starting date is January 2021. The appointment should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). You will be asked to spend 10% of your time on assisting in university teaching as a teaching assistant.
Qualifications:
We are looking for a candidate who is enthusiastic and dedicated, and who:
– holds a MSc degree (or equivalent) in physics or a related field by the starting date of the employment;
– has strong written and oral communication skills in English;
– has a strong motivation for multidisciplinary research.
Offer:
– a full-time position for 4 years;
– a full-time gross salary that starts at EUR 2,395 and increases to EUR 3,061 per month (scale P of the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities (cao));
– the position comes with a separate research budget of EUR 5,000 per year;
– benefits including 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
– a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities.
Apply:
Utrecht University is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and from underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The official deadline for applications is Nov. 1, 2020, but applications will be considered until the position is filled.
If you have the expertise and the experience to excel in this role, then simply respond via the “Apply now” button on the application website. Please enclose:
– your curriculum vitae;
– a personal statement in which your background, research experience and interests are described;
– transcripts of all university courses taken and grades obtained are optional;
– contact details of at least two referees. They will be contacted separately.