Research Fellow in Gravitational Wave Physics

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £44,263 with potential progression once in post to £46,974. Grade 7 

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to July 2025

Closes: 18th February 2024

Please attach the following to your online application: a CV, a full publication list; a statement of research plans and objectives (max 2 pages). Please also arrange for 3 reference letters to be sent to Ms Joanne Cox at [email protected] by the closing date.

The Institute for Gravitational Wave Astronomy and School of Physics and Astronomy invite applications for a research fellow in gravitational wave physics.

The research fellow will work on the development of new technologies for laser interferometric detectors with applications to gravitational-wave observations and dark matter searches. Existing R&D activities within the Institute include quantum opto-mechanics, 6D seismometers and position sensors, optical coating, and quantum amplifiers. The research fellow will be working within a growing team at the University of Birmingham, with many opportunities to collaborate with researchers within the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, including members of the teams developing the next generation gravitational-wave detectors, and the Quantum-enhanced Interferometry for New Physics Collaboration.

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. 

The University of Birmingham is an equal opportunity employer. The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Athena SWAN Silver Award holder and JUNO Champion, welcomes people from all backgrounds and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who we are. We encourage applications from all qualified applicants; those from minority groups who are under-represented in this discipline are particularly welcome.

The position is available immediately for an initial period of 1.5 year with the opportunity of extension subject to availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below:

• Deliver research objectives within a specific international project, with assistance of a mentor if required
• 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 on PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new techniques and methods

Person Specification

• PhD in physics, astronomy, engineering or a related subject
• Expertise in experimental physics and technologies relevant for laser interferometric detectors
• The ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency and experience with high performance and/or high throughput computing 

Informal enquiries to Prof Denis Martynov ([email protected] ).

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the above ‘Apply’ button.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working