Open Position PhD Opportunities in Gravitational Wave Physics at IFAE

The “Institut de Física d’Altes Energies” (IFAE) in Barcelona welcomes applications for PhD positions on Gravitational Wave physics using ground-based interferometers. IFAE is a member institution of the Virgo and Einstein Telescope Collaborations.

A group of researches from IFAE has taken significant responsibilities related to the control of the stray light inside Virgo, which is considered a limiting factor for its sensitivity. The group plays an important role in the ongoing commissioning, operations and upgrade of the interferometer. For the latter, IFAE is leading the construction of new baffles instrumented with photo sensors around the test masses for Advanced Virgo. In addition, IFAE is deeply involved in the detector R&D and simulation activities of the future Einstein Telescope, and is a member of the ETpathfinder R&D platform.

In the physics analysis front, the IFAE research program, using LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA data, includes topics related to: compact binary coalescence and their mass/spin spectrum determination; search for primordial black holes as candidates for dark matter; searches for axion-like signals in continuous GW signals; test of exotic models for Gravity beyond General Relativity; determination of the universe expansion rate using GWs; and using GWs as probes for inflation and phase transitions in the early universe.

IFAE is in a privileged position to analyze the LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA data, with strong synergies with IFAE’s Theory Division and significant computing resources from the PIC computing center. In addition, the collaboration with IFAE’s teams in CTA/MAGIC and Observational Cosmology facilitates a multi-messenger approach.

Up to 2 full-time positions are offered in this call.

Applicants should have a Master Degree in Physics, provide a CV, including full list of University Grades, and arrange for two letters of reference to be sent by e-mail (mmp@ifae.es ) not later than 30th April 2022.

Applications will be accepted until the openings are filled.

For further information please contact: Prof. Mario Martínez Pérez (mmp@ifae.es ) PI of the Virgo/ET Group in IFAE

This contract is part of the project Advances technologies for the exploration of the Universe and its components, of the area of Astrophysics and High Energy Physics, within the frame of the R&D&I Complementary Plans of the Spanish Government that are part component 17 of the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism. The contract will be funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU and by the Department of Research and Universities of the Catalan Government.

IFAE is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace and social integration of people with a disability. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. People from groups that are typically underrepresented in the labour market in general and in Science and Engineering in particular, such as women, minorities, or people with a disability, are particularly encouraged to apply.“Sending CVs to the above address implies consent to the IFAE legal warning .