Contact: barry.wardell[AT]ucd.ieLocation: Dublin, Ireland
The Relativity group at University College Dublin (UCD) invites expressions of interest for multiple ERC-funded postdoctoral positions in gravitational wave source modelling, with a focus on small mass-ratio binaries.
The successful candidates will work with Prof. Barry Wardell and will join the EMRIWaveforms project, funded by an ERC Advanced grant. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in black hole perturbation theory, gravitational-wave data analysis for extreme mass-ratio inspirals, numerical relativity and post-Newtonian theory, although we are open to all candidates with a strong background in gravitational-wave science. Candidates will have ample opportunities to collaborate with the broader Relativity Group at UCD.
The preferred start date is between January and September 2026, and the positions are envisioned for a period of 2 years with possible extension conditional on satisfactory performance. The positions include ample funds for travel and computing.
The Relativity Group at UCD consists of 6 faculty members (Prof. Barry Wardell, Dr Sarp Akcay, Dr Chris Kavanagh, Prof. Adrian Ottewill, Dr Christiana Pantelidou, and Dr Niels Warburton), four postdoctoral fellows (Dr Susanna Barsanti, Dr Mikel Sanchez, Dr Andrew Spiers, and Oleksii Yanchyshen), a visiting Fulbright Fellow (Dr Thomas Osburn), and several PhD and MSc students. Together they form a vibrant and friendly research group whose expertise include gravitational self-force, numerical relativity, quantum fields on curved spacetimes, effective-one-body theory, and many other aspects of gravitational-wave source modelling.
We strive to build a diverse and inclusive environment and welcome expressions of interest from traditionally underrepresented groups.
Successful candidates will have a PhD in Theoretical Physics or a related discipline and previous experience in gravitational-wave source modelling. Applications should comprise a CV (including details of two reference letter writers) and a two-page statement covering research interests and plans. To receive full consideration, interested candidates should submit their application using the linked form by Friday October 31st, 2025. The search will remain open until the optimal candidates are found.