Contact: g.pratten[AT]bham.ac.ukLocation: Birmingham, UK
We are inviting applications for several fully-funded PhD positions at the University of Birmingham’s Institute for Gravitational Wave Astronomy. We particularly welcome creative, motivated candidates who thrive in collaborative environments and are interested in the full breadth of gravitational wave science: data analysis, analytical and numerical modelling of compact binary systems, the astrophysics of black holes and neutron stars, and searches for new fundamental physics.
Birmingham is home to one of Europe’s leading gravitational-wave research groups. You will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary community of researchers deeply embedded in international efforts through LIGO, LISA, Einstein Telescope, Cosmic Explorer, and the European Pulsar Timing Array. You will have access to cutting-edge resources, opportunities for research visits, and international conference participation. Individual supervision from leading scientists will support your development as you contribute to fundamental questions in gravitational wave astronomy.
The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of the Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School’s commitment to promote diversity and equality, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all students and staff can achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups in physics and astronomy including, but not limited to, women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic.
Ready to apply?
Visit http://www.sr.bham.ac.uk/phd/index.php for application details and to explore other PhD opportunities within the group.
Have questions?
We are here to help. Feel free to reach out to Prof Alberto Vecchio (a.vecchio[at]bham.ac.uk), Dr Bence Becsy (b.becsy[at]bham.ac.uk), Dr Gregorio Carullo (g.carullo[at]bham.ac.uk), Dr Patricia Schmidt (p.schmidt[at]bham.ac.uk), or Dr Geraint Pratten (g.pratten[at]bham.ac.uk).
Application deadline: 12th January 2026
Kind Regards,
Geraint Pratten on behalf of the Institute for Gravitational Wave Astronomy