PhD Position in Gravitational-Wave Astrophysics

The Institute for Gravitational and Subatomic Physics (GRASP) at Utrecht University is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate in gravitational-wave astrophysics. The successful candidate will work with real and simulated gravitational wave data from existing detectors and next-generation observatories like the Einstein Telescope. The candidate will use statistical tools such as Bayesian analysis to assess challenges and develop novel methodologies for accurate data analysis. The research will likely result in placing more stringent bounds on fundamental constraints from third-generation detectors. The candidate will join the international Einstein Telescope Collaboration and the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration, participating in data analysis as part of the latter.

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should have:

• An MSc degree in Physics, Astronomy, Computer Science, Statistics, or a closely related field. Candidates in the final stages of obtaining their master’s degree are also welcome to apply.
• Demonstrable programming and scientific writing skills, along with excellent communication skills in English.
• Knowledge of using large computing clusters and a solid background in (astro)physics and/or artificial intelligence is highly desirable.
• Strong preference will be given to candidates with existing knowledge of Python and parallel programming in Python.

Offer:
The selected candidate will receive the following benefits:

• A position for 4 years (1.0 FTE).
• A full-time gross salary ranging from €2,770 per month in the first year to €3,539 per month in the fourth year of employment (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities).
• 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• A pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities.

About the Institute:
The Institute for Gravitational and Subatomic Physics (GRASP) aims to understand the basic constituents of matter and their interactions, as well as the fundamental properties of space and time. The institute is involved in experimental research on heavy-ion collisions at the Large Hadron Collider and gravitational wave data analysis related to neutron stars and black holes. It collaborates with Utrecht University’s Institute for Theoretical Physics and the National Institute for Subatomic Physics (Nikhef) in Amsterdam, participating in large international collaborations such as ALICE, Virgo, Einstein Telescope, and LISA.

Application Deadline:
The application deadline is 14 September 2023.

For more information about the position, interested candidates can contact Dr. Anuradha Samajdar (Assistant Professor) at a.samajdar@uu.nl.

To apply for the position, candidates should submit a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, and contact details of three references from whom a letter of recommendation may be requested.