Contact: c.weniger@uva.nlLocation: Amsterdam, NL
We are inviting applications for one PhD position in gravitational-wave cosmology and AI-driven data analysis to join the research group of Dr. Christoph Weniger at the University of Amsterdam, within the GRAPPA Center of Excellence. GRAPPA is an internationally recognized research hub in gravitation, astroparticle physics, and cosmology, with strong involvement in the LISA mission and broad expertise in gravitational waves, cosmology, and modern data-analysis methods.
The PhD project is centered on the analysis of data from the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) and aims to develop advanced, AI-driven inference methods for next-generation gravitational-wave astronomy. Key scientific challenges include the global inference of large populations of overlapping gravitational-wave sources and stochastic backgrounds, and the extraction of cosmological and fundamental-physics information from LISA’s rich data stream. The project will focus in particular on simulation-based inference (SBI) and related deep-learning approaches, developed in a complementary way to existing likelihood-based and pipeline-driven methods for LISA data analysis.
The successful candidate will work on sequential, hierarchical, and population-level inference methods for LISA data, with applications to early-Universe physics, dark matter, dark energy, and inflationary processes. The admitted doctoral student will be part of an active, collaborative research environment and will work in close interaction with an international network of gravitational-wave theorists, machine-learning and AI researchers, and members of the LISA data-analysis community.
We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a strong background in physics, astronomy, or a closely related field, and a genuine interest in gravitational-wave physics, cosmology, and modern data-analysis methods. Experience with scientific programming and numerical methods is an advantage. Prior experience with machine learning, deep learning, or simulation-based inference is an advantage but not mandatory.
The position is a fully funded four-year PhD programme leading to a doctoral degree. The preferred starting date is fall 2026.
For further details and the application link, please visit the official University of Amsterdam vacancy page. Candidates are welcome to contact Christoph Weniger for further enquiries.