PhD positions in gravitational waves and gravitational lensing

Physics World; España; Presencial; EUR 30.000 - 50.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

A leading Spanish physics institute invites applications for a PhD position in gravitational waves and gravitational lensing, funded by ERC Consolidator Grant GLOW. Candidates must have a Master's degree in Physics or a related field. The role focuses on research topics like wave-optics phenomena, searches for lensed gravitational waves, and gravitational lensing effects. Successful candidates will collaborate with talented researchers, develop their own ideas, and work in a vibrant international community. Applications are encouraged from women and underrepresented groups. The starting date is in October 2026 or later.

Formación

• Must hold or be close to completing a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics.
• Degree must be obtained before the starting date of the contract.

Responsabilidades

• Conduct research on gravitational waves and gravitational lensing.
• Develop independent research directions and collaborate with group members.

Conocimientos

Cosmology

Gravitational lensing

Gravitational waves

Compact-object astrophysics

Data analysis

Computational methods

Educación

Master’s degree in Physics or closely related field

Descripción del empleo

IFT (Madrid, Spain) invites applications to pursue a PhD (predoctoral contracts) in gravitational waves and gravitational lensing, funded by ERC Consolidator Grant GLOW, CSIC‑MAX and “Atracción de Talento” grants. The positions will start in October 2026 or later. The positions are covered until the successful completion of a PhD, up to a maximum of 4 years.

Applicants must hold, or be close to completing, a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics or a closely related field. The degree must be obtained before the starting date of the contract, in accordance with Spanish regulations for predoctoral positions.

Successful candidates will collaborate with Miguel Zumalacárregui (website, joining IFT in Summer 2026). Potential topics include:

• Wave‑optics phenomena in gravitational lensing (e.g. 2409.04606);
• Searches for lensed gravitational waves and tests of dark matter (e.g. 2212.11960);
• Gravitational lensing of stars by binary black holes (e.g. 2506.16544);
• Tests of gravitational‑wave propagation, dark energy and modified gravity (e.g 2511.08023).

We are looking for creative and highly motivated students with expertise or interest in cosmology, gravitational lensing, gravitational waves, compact‑object astrophysics, data analysis, and/or computational methods.

The group participates in the Euclid and LISA missions and maintains active collaborations with the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (AEI, Potsdam, Germany), the Institute for Advanced Study (Princeton, US), the University of Oxford (UK), the Niels Bohr Institute (Copenhagen, Denmark) and the University of California at Berkeley (US). Students will have opportunities to pursue their own ideas, develop independent research directions, and work both with other group members and with external collaborators.

IFT is a leading Spanish center for theoretical physics, spanning cosmology, gravitation, high‑energy, and astroparticle physics. With a vibrant international community, the institute runs active visiting programmes, workshops, and Masters and PhD training, and has been distinguished as a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence, recognising its scientific leadership.

IFT is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from women and members of underrepresented groups are encouraged.

To apply please submit a CV, academic transcript, and a brief statement of motivation and research interests (1–3 pages). A list of publications is welcome but not required. Please indicate “cosmology” as the field of interest, and arrange for 2–3 recommendation letters to be sent.

Application portal: https://calls.ift.uam-csic.es/convocatoria/NTk=

Review of applications will begin on January 10th and continue until the positions are filled. For questions regarding the position please contact [e-mail].