Open Position Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral position in Gravitational Wave Physics at IFAE
Opening Date: Closing Date:
The “Institut de Física d’Altes Energies” (IFAE) in Barcelona welcomes applications for a PhD position on Advanced detectors for gravitational wave (GW) studies with Virgo and Einstein Telescope (ET), in the framework of the DocFam+ (DOCtoral training programme in Functional Advanced Materials: Towards a Better Future) Program,
The detection of GWs from a black hole binary merger by LIGO in 2015 started a new era in the exploration of the universe. The addition of the Virgo antenna into the network led in 2017 to the detection of a neutron star binary merger that could be followed in electromagnetic signals, representing the beginning of multi-messenger astronomy. At the moment, LIGO and Virgo observation plans extend until 2030 with upgraded detectors.
The Einstein Telescope (ET) project, a third-generation experiment to be realized in Europe, has been included in the 2021 EU ESFRI roadmap and has recently entered into the preparatory phase. IFAE has taken significant responsibilities related to the control of the stray light inside Virgo and ET.
The group plays an important role in the ongoing commissioning, operations and upgrade of the Virgo interferometer. For the latter, IFAE is leading the construction of novel baffles instrumented with photo sensors for Virgo. In addition, IFAE is deeply involved in the detector R&D and optical simulation activities of ET, and in ET-pathfinders. IFAE works with CERN in the design of the ET vacuum pipes and is leading the conceptual design of a novel pre-alignment system inside the optical cavities. Finally, a close collaboration has been established with LIGO institutions, in particular with Caltech in the US.
In the physics analysis, the IFAE research program, using LIGO/Virgo data, includes topics related to: the search for compact binary coalescence events 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. The work is naturally extended to physics prospects for ET.
The PhD candidate will get involved in several of IFAE’s GW group activities including optical simulation studies, R&D on new material and coatings, and active monitoring of the stray light inside the cavity with new photo sensors at different wavelengths in an ultra-high vacuum and cryogenic environment. She/he will participate in the physics analysis of the LIGO-Virgo data, with special emphasis on the test of General Relativity and Cosmology using GWs.
Applicants should have a Master Degree in Physics or Optical Engineering and apply using the web portal
where further information on the DocFam+ Program is provided.
The DOCFam+ fellowship has a duration of three years with an annual gross salary of about 25.000 euros. In addition, and within the framework of IFAE’s GW research activities, the successful candidate will be offered significant training and networking opportunities, including also extended stays of research in top-level international research centres in Europe and USA.
Deadline: 30th June 2024
For further information please contact: Prof. Mario Martínez Pérez (mmp@ifae.es ) PI of the Virgo/ET Group in IFAE
IFAE is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace, and we welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.
