Research Fellow in Gravitational Wave Observations - School of Physics and Astronomy - 106778 -[...]

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in the UK is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to enhance the understanding of black holes and neutron stars via gravitational-wave observations. The role involves working within research projects, utilizing analytical techniques, and contributing to the progress of gravitational-wave astronomy. Candidates should possess a relevant PhD and have strong analytical and communication skills. The position offers full-time employment with a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• PhD or nearing completion in Physics or Astrophysics.
• High level analytical capability essential.
• Fluency in high-level statistical data analysis required.
• Experience with machine learning techniques necessary.

Responsibilities

• Work within specified research grants and projects.
• Apply probabilistic inference to gravitational waves.
• Supervise students on research-related work.
• Develop new models and techniques for research.

Skills

Analytical capability

Communication skills

Research coordination

Statistical data analysis

Machine learning

High-performance computing

Education

PhD (or near to completion) in Physics, Astrophysics, or related subject

Job description

Position Details

School of Physics and Astronomy

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to September 2028

Closing date: 18th January 2026

UK and International travel may be required for this role

Background

We are seeking to appoint a postdoctoral researcher to work on improving our understanding of black holes and neutron stars from gravitational-wave observations. The applicant will join the Institute for Gravitational Wave Astronomy at the University of Birmingham, one of the globally leading institutes in gravitational wave research. The successful applicant should have a background in data analysis techniques and analytical and/or numerical modelling of compact binaries. The Institute for Gravitational Wave Astronomy provides a vibrant and diverse environment with expertise across key areas of gravitational-wave astronomy: from theoretical to experimental gravitational-wave research, with applications to present and future-generation detectors, theoretical astrophysics, transient astronomy, gravitational-wave source modelling including numerical relativity, and general relativity theory.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operating within the area of gravitational-waves and astrophysics
• Applying probabilistic inference to gravitational waves, including through machine learning techniques
• Modelling the gravitational-wave signal from compact binaries
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding

Main Duties

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• PhD (or near to completion) in Physics, Astrophysics, or a related subject
• High level analytical capability
• The ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• The ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• The ability to contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• The ability to coordinate work with others and to work within a research team to achieve common goals, avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in their own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
• The fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Fluency and experience with high performance and/or high throughput computing
• Expertise in the theory and usage of high-level statistical data analysis techniques, including stochastic processes and machine learning; expertise in analytical and numerical modelling of gravitational-wave sources, including post-Newtonian and post-Minkowskian theory, gravitational self-force calculations and numerical relativity simulations.

You should attach a CV, a full publication list, a statement of research plans and objectives (max. 2 pages). Please also arrange for three reference letters to be sent to Ms Nicola Holloway [e-mail] by January 18th, 2026.

Informal enquiries to Dr Gregorio Carullo email [e-mail], Dr Geraint Pratten email [e-mail], Dr Patricia Schmidt email [e-mail], and Prof Alberto Vecchio email [e-mail].

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We are an equal opportunity employer.