Contact: sagunski[AT]itp.uni-frankfurt.deLocation: Frankfurt, Germany
The Institute of Theoretical Physics at the Faculty of Physics at Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany, invites applications for a
1 PhD student position (all genders welcome) (E13 TV-G-U, 65%-part-time)
and
1 postdoctoral position (all genders welcome) (E13 TV-G-U, 100%-full-time)
at the interface of theoretical gravitational wave physics, nuclear astrophysics and numerical relativity, with a starting date as soon as possible. The salary grades are based on the job characteristics of the collective agreement (TV-G-U) applicable to Goethe University. The positions are funded by the DFG Collaborative Research Center CRC-TR 211 “Strong-interaction matter under extreme conditions” as part of the research project B09 on “Probing strong-interaction matter with gravitational waves from neutron-star mergers”. Their duration is limited to the funding period of the CRC-TR 211 which ends in June 2025.
Job description: The successful candidates will work with Prof. Luciano Rezzolla, Prof. Laura Sagunski and Prof. Jürgen Schaffner-Bielich and pursue cutting-edge research at the interface of gravitational wave physics, nuclear astrophysics and numerical relativity to explore the influence of dark matter on the properties of neutron stars, their merger dynamics and gravitational wave signatures. This will in include in particular modeling dark matter cores and phase transitions in numerical simulations of neutron star binary mergers.
The prospective candidates will closely interact with the other members of the CRC-TR 211 and the Astrophysics Groups at the Institute of Theoretical Physics and at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS).
Qualification requirements: The ideal candidates have, respectively, a Master’s/PhD degree in physics or astrophysics for the PhD/postdoc position, a strong background in theoretical gravitational wave physics, nuclear astrophysics and/or numerical relativity, and solid knowledge of at least one programming language (Python, C++, Fortran). Experience with general-relativistic numerical simulations is of advantage but not a prerequisite for the PhD position.
Application material and deadline: Applications, including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a short research summary and outlook, and a copy of the Master’s/PhD certificate, should be sent electronically to: Mrs Astrid Steidl (steidl[AT]itp.uni-frankfurt.de) and CC-ed to rezzolla[AT]itp.uni-frankfurt.de, sagunski[AT]itp.uni-frankfurt.de and schaffner[AT]astro.uni-frankfurt.de.
Applicants should also arrange for two letters of recommendation (for the PhD position) or three (for the postdoc position) to be sent separately to the e-mail addresses above. The application deadline is July 31, 2021.
The CRC-TR 211 and Goethe University are strongly committed to equal opportunities and place great importance on ensuring welcoming working conditions and a work-family balance for all its employees. We particularly welcome applications from women and members of underrepresented groups in our field.