Contact: tim.dietrich[AT]aei.mpg.deLocation: Potsdam, Germany
The newly-funded Max Planck Fellow group “Multi-messenger Astrophysics of Compact Binaries” invites the opening of a PhD position in gravitational-wave modelling.
The Max Planck Fellow group is headed by Tim Dietrich and was established to strengthen the connection between the University of Potsdam and the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert-Einstein Institute, AEI). The successful applicant will work closely together with the Theoretical Astrophysics group at the University of Potsdam (also lead by Dietrich), with the Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity division led by Alessandra Buonanno and the Computational Relativistic Astrophysics division led by Masaru Shibata, both at the AEI.
For this PhD position, we are looking for a student interested in the modeling of gravitational-wave signals. The successful candidate will combine analytical techniques with numerical relativity-simulations to develop gravitational-wave models for binary neutron star and black-hole – neutron-star systems. The student will join the LIGO Scientific Collaboration and be involved in the science exploitation with upcoming gravitational-wave observations. The student will also have the possibility to participate in projects that build the science case for third-generation ground-based detectors, such as the Einstein Telescope and Cosmic Explorer.
The student will join the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) on Gravitational-Wave Astronomy. Successful applicants will conduct their research projects at the AEI in Potsdam, and they will be enrolled at the University of Potsdam. The expected duration of the PhD program is three years, and it can be extended to four years in exceptional cases. Applicants are required to have a Master degree (or an equivalent degree) in a topic relevant for the PhD position, e.g., Physics, Mathematics or Astronomy/Astrophysics, by the start of the PhD program.
The science campus in Potsdam offers a stimulating research environment with three Max-Planck Institutes and two Fraunhofer Institutes. The city of Potsdam is home to over 40 research institutes, and is located just 30 minutes from the city center of Berlin.
In order to apply, please fill in the form available on our webpage. You will be asked to upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests, your MSc thesis (if available), and a list of publications (if applicable). Applicants also need to indicate the names of three referees for recommendation letters. Referees will be notified by email on how to upload the letters.
The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline for full consideration is July 31st, 2021. Applications will continue to be considered until the position is filled.