Contact: j.janquart[AT]uu.nlLocation: Louvain, Belgium
The gravitational-wave (GW) group of the University of Louvain (UCLouvain, Belgium), hosted at the Centre for Cosmology, Particle Physics and Phenomenology (CP3) of the Research Institute in Mathematics and Physics (IRMP), and the “Time and Ionosphere” group of the Royal Observatory of Belgium (ROB) are welcoming applications for a postdoctoral researcher position in gravitational-wave data analysis of the LIGO-Virgo-Kagra detectors and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).
The UCLouvain GW group is part of the Virgo Collaboration at the European Gravitational Observatory (EGO) and has been active so far in searches for ultra-light dark matter, anisotropic stochastic GW background, and on a multi-messenger project aiming to detect neutrinos and gravitational waves originating from common astrophysical sources. In September 2024 new data analysis activities focusing on gravitational lensing and challenges in next-generation detectors such as Einstein Telescope will be launched under the direction of the newly hired professor Justin Janquart, who will also work at 50% of his time at ROB. The UCLouvain GW group is also involved in instrumentation projects for both Virgo and the future Einstein Telescope, notably at the two research and development facilities, E-TEST and ETPF.
The “Time and Ionosphere” group of ROB conducts cutting-edge research on remote atomic clocks comparisons, ionosphere/plasmasphere physics, and electromagnetic signal perturbations using the Global Navigation Satellites Systems (GNSS: GPS, Galileo…). Among various activities, the group aims to exploit the excellent precision and stability of ground and space atomic clocks for tests of fundamental physics, e.g. tests of local position invariance, or constraints on Dark Matter (DM) density close to the Earth. ROB has not been involved so far in GW research, but will soon be with the hiring of Justin Janquart on a permanent position shared with the UCLouvain GW group.
The selected candidate will work on the analysis of data from ground-based GW laser interferometers and the GNSS constellations with a focus on searches for DM and/or novel techniques for the detection of GW signals. Activities related to the commissioning, operation and monitoring of Virgo, implying presence on site, are also envisaged as part of the appointment. Computing resources and support for traveling are excellent. The UCLouvain CP3 center and ROB represent a highly international, diverse, and stimulating environment. The research work will also be conducted in close contact and cooperation with the rest of the Belgian GW community and our international partners.
The UCLouvain campus is located some 25 km south of Brussels, to which it is conveniently connected by public transport. ROB is located in the green, southern outskirts of Brussels. This situation allows life either in the EU capital or in the pleasant green countryside environment between ROB and the UCLouvain campus. A number of advantages will be available to the selected candidate, including reimbursement of public transport season tickets between home and workplace and free language courses. More information about life in Belgium is available here. The appointment is available for three years. The selected candidate is ideally expected to start the postdoctoral term as soon as possible. Applications from women and minorities are especially encouraged.
Applications must include a curriculum vitae, a personal motivation letter, and at least three recommendation letters from senior scientists. Applications must be submitted online, by 23 June 2024, at: https://cp3.irmp.ucl.ac.be/jobs/102. Applicants should hold, by the time of the start of the appointment, a PhD in physics and they should demonstrate a strong interest and motivation in fundamental physics research. The position will remain open after the first deadline indicated above until a suitable candidate is found.
For more information please, contact
Justin Janquart (j.janquart[AT]uu.nl)
Bruno Bertrand (Bruno.Bertrand[AT]oma.be)
Giacomo Bruno (Giacomo.Bruno[AT]uclouvain.be)