PhD position in GW detectors

Physics World; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 60.000 - 80.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

A prestigious educational institution in Germany is seeking a Doctoral Research Associate to engage in critical research related to neutron physics. This position involves numerical simulation work, collaboration on machine learning approaches, and supervision of students. Candidates should hold a Master's in physics or a related field, showcasing skills in Python, C/C++, and a commitment to independent and collaborative research. Diverse and inclusive working conditions are emphasized, along with various benefits for employees.

Leistungen

Attractive company pension scheme

Annual end-of-year bonus

Occupational training and education opportunities

Support from Family Service Office for work-life balance

Qualifikationen

• Experience in numerical simulations such as wave propagation.
• Good programming skills in Python and/or C/C++.
• Good written and spoken English for an international team.

Aufgaben

• Work towards a doctorate in theoretical and practical aspects.
• Simulate Newtonian noise for gravitational wave detectors.
• Development of geometries to investigate Newtonian noise dependence.

Kenntnisse

Numerical simulations

Programming in Python

Programming in C/C++

Machine learning techniques

Strong communication skills

Ausbildung

Completed university degree (master's or equivalent) in physics, geophysics, or related field

Tools

SPECFEM3D

COMSOL Multiphysics

Jobbeschreibung

42,500 students and 7,750 employees in teaching, research and administration, all working together to shape perspectives for the future – that is the University of Münster. Embedded in the vibrant atmosphere of Münster with its high standard of living, the University’s diverse research profile and attractive study programmes draw students and researchers throughout Germany and from around the world.

The Institute for Nuclear Physics in the Faculty of Physics at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of a

Doctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in, salary level E 13 TV-L)

at the earliest possible date. We are offering a fixed‑term part‑time position (67%) for 3 years. Full‑time employees are required to teach 4 hours per week during the semester.

Your tasks:

• This position is tied to working towards a doctorate;
• Active participation in the simulation and modelling of Newtonian noise for underground gravitational wave detectors such as the Einstein Telescope;
• Performing numerical simulations of seismic wave propagation and Newtonian noise using tools such as SPECFEM3D and COMSOL Multiphysics;
• Development and testing of simplified and complex cavern geometries (e.g., spherical, cubic, realistic underground structures) to investigate the dependence of Newtonian noise on structure and mirror position;
• Investigating the possibility of integrating machine learning methods, including physics-informed neural networks (PINNs), to accelerate simulations and optimize underground configurations;
• Preparation of reports, presentations, and scientific publications of research results in journals and at conferences;
• Participation in teaching and supervision of students (bachelor’s and master’s theses) in related research topics

Our expectations:

• A completed university degree (master’s or equivalent) in physics, geophysics, or a related field;
• Experience in numerical simulations (e.g., wave propagation, finite element modeling, or comparable computer‑aided methods);
• Good programming skills in Python and/or C/C++;
• Good written and spoken English skills for collaboration in an international research team;
• Knowledge in the field of machine learning, in particular physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) or related AI-based modelling approaches, is an advantage;
• A high degree of motivation, initiative, and scientific curiosity, as well as the ability to work both independently and in an interdisciplinary team;
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Advantages for you:

• Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – values which are important to us;
• If you have family members or young children in your care, our Family Service Office offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities;
• As an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering occupational training and continuing education opportunities tailored to your individual needs;
• As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (VBL), an annual end‑of‑year bonus and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations.

The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family‑friendly working conditions.

We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Waleed Esmail ([phone] / [e-mail]) or Prof. Dr. Alexander Kappes ([phone] / [e-mail]).

Universität Münster

Institut für Kernphysik

Prof. Dr. Alexander Kappes

Wilhelm‑Klemm‑Str. 9

48149 Münster

You may also send us your application electronically in PDF format to [e-mail]. Please note that we cannot consider other file formats.