Contact: v.sagun[AT]soton.ac.ukLocation: Lisbon, Portugal/Southampton, UK
The Center for Astrophysics and Gravitation, Instituto Superior Tecnico (Lisbon), and Southampton Theory Astrophysics and Gravity Research Centre invite applications for a joint PhD position under the supervision of Prof. Ilidio Lopes and Dr. Violetta Sagun on compact stars, properties of strongly interacting matter, and dark matter. The PhD fellow will join an interdisciplinary and innovative research programme at the interface of multi-messenger astrophysics and nuclear physics. Particularly, the project will focus on the impact of dark matter on neutron star properties, with particular emphasis on dark matter probes using Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope and next-generation gravitational wave telescopes, Einstein Telescope and Cosmic Explorer.
The position will be divided between the Instituto Superior Tecnico and the University of Southampton, with the majority of the time based in Lisbon.
Applications, which have to be sent electronically to Violetta Sagun (v.sagun[AT]soton.ac.uk), should include a curriculum vitae, a motivation letter, certificates of all the obtained academic degrees, other documents that the candidate may consider relevant (diplomas, certificates, etc.), and contacts of three reference people. The recommendation letters will be requested for the shortlisted candidates. Candidates should hold either a pre-Bologna degree or a pre-/post-Bologna Master’s degree at the time of application. Foreign degrees/diplomas are required to be recognized by the General Directorate of Higher Education or by a Portuguese higher education institution: https://www.dges.gov.pt/en/pagina/degree-and-diploma-recognition?plid=1536 The selected candidate will be assisted with the diploma recognition.
The application deadline for full consideration is the 20th of December, 2025. Applications will continue to be considered until the 31st of December, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Violetta Sagun for any inquiries related to the well in advance to discuss potential projects and the application procedure. The expected starting date of the PhD is October 1st, 2026.
The Instituto Superior Tecnico and the University of Southampton are equal opportunity employers with welcoming working conditions, career development, and networking opportunities. For more information, please visit the Center for Astrophysics and Gravitation site (https://centra.tecnico.ulisboa.pt) and the Southampton Theory Astrophysics and Gravity Research Centre site (https://www.southampton.ac.uk/research/institutes-centres/southampton-theory-astrophysics-gravity).