Postdoctoral position in Gravitational-Wave Physics

Physics World; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading physics research institution in the UK seeks a Research Associate to work on projects related to gravitational-wave physics and cosmology. The successful candidate will have outstanding research experience and a Ph.D. in Physics or related fields. This fixed-term position may be extended, depending on progress and funding. Applications are due by December 5, 2025.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have a Ph.D. before the date of hire.
• Desirable expertise with gravitational wave data analysis.
• Experience in producing high-quality research publications.

Responsibilities

• Work on gravitational-wave searches emphasizing pulsar timing arrays.
• Collaborate with a research team on key physics projects.

Skills

Outstanding research experience in gravitational wave physics

Experience in giving talks at internationally recognised conferences

Ability to carry out independent research

Education

Ph.D. in Physics or Astronomy/Astrophysics or a related field

Job description

Applications are invited for a Research Associate position in the Abdus Salam Centre for Theoretical Physics at Imperial College London. The successful candidate will work with Dr Andrea Mitridate on projects at the interface between gravitational-wave searches with an emphasis on pulsar timing arrays observations and physics beyond the Standard Model.

Members of the Centre undertake world‑leading research in key areas of cosmology, gravity, particle physics, and quantum theory, and it comprises Profs. Shai Chester, Carlo Contaldi, Claudia de Rham, Fay Dowker, Tim Evans, Jerome Gauntlett, Jonathan Halliwell, Amihay Hanany, Chris Hull, Shota Komatsu, Joao Magueijo, Arttu Rajantie, Andrew Tolley, Arkady Tseytlin, Daniel Waldram, Toby Wiseman, and with Dr Andrea Mitridate due to shortly join the Centre.

This is a fixed‑term appointment for two years with a potential third‑year extension, subject to progress and funding.

More information about the Department of Physics, the Theoretical Physics Group and the staff benefits that we offer can be found on our webpages.

Eligibility criteria

• Candidates are required to have a Ph.D. in Physics or Astronomy/Astrophysics or a related field before the date of hire. The start date is the fall of 2026.
• Outstanding research experience in gravitational wave physics, cosmology, particle physics, and/or related topics.
• Expertise with gravitational wave data analysis in any frequency band is desired but not required.
• Experience in giving talks at internationally recognised conferences and workshops.
• Experience in carrying out research of high quality, independently and in a team, with evidence provided by a portfolio of high-quality research publications.

Application Materials

Please submit:

• Cover letter
• CV
• List of publications
• Research statement (maximum 3 pages)
• At least two letters of reference

Applicants should submit their applications through AcademicJobsOnline at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31054 by Friday, 5 December 2025, and ask referees to submit their references on AcademicJobsOnline before the closing date.