In 2015, the kilometre-scale LIGO laser interferometers observed tiny ripples in spacetime called gravitational waves from colliding black holes. This detection won the 2017 Nobel Prize and opened a new way to study the Universe: gravitational-wave astronomy. Over the next five years, an international network of gravitational-wave detectors will continue to explore the Universe. Improvements in the detectors will enable them to reach further back in cosmic time, increasing the rate of detections. They will see black hole collisions nearly every day and several collisions between neutron stars, ultra-dense stars supported only by quantum-degeneracy pressure.
Royal Holloway’s LIGO group plays a leading role in the cutting-edge data analysis used to study gravitational wave signals. We invite applicants to apply for a competitively funded position in our group. The successful applicant will undertake a project to develop new advanced data analysis approaches to enable the detection and inference of gravitational wave sources. Specifically, they will investigate Machine Learning approaches such as simulated Bayesian inference and conformal prediction. They will have the opportunity to explore applications across astrophysics, and they will be able to join the LIGO Collaboration and participate in the O4 and O5 observing runs scheduled to take place between 2023 and 2027.
We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, including international applicants. However, applications are particularly encouraged from traditionally under-represented groups in science. The Department of Physics at Royal Holloway holds an Athena SWAN silver award, and the University is an Institute of Physics Project Juno Champion; the award demonstrates action has been taken to address gender equality at all levels and to foster a more inclusive working environment.
We welcome potential applicants to submit their applications before 31 January 2024 or 6 January 2024 if applicants are eligible and would like to apply to the Bell-Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund.
Find out more about Research degree (PhD) opportunities at Royal Holloway, University of London.
Applications for PhD degrees are via our Applicant Portal.
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