Machine Learning for Multi-Messenger Astronomy with Gravitational Waves

Gravitational waves (GWs) are produced by some of the most violent events in the Universe, such as the mergers of black holes and the explosive deaths of massive stars. Rapid detection of such signals can trigger follow-up observations by other facilities including ground-based telescopes, satellites, and neutrino observatories, greatly increasing the scientific payoff of such discoveries.

For example, combined observations of the binary neutron star merger GW170817 revealed the origin of heavy elements in the Universe and provided a new way to measure the Hubble constant.

 Detecting such GW events before the electromagnetic counterpart fades requires analysis of the gravitational-wave data on timescales of minutes or less. Recently, machine learning techniques based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have been demonstrated to have the potential for sub-second-latency analysis of data from GW detector networks. The aim of this project is to develop and implement a CNN with the ability to detect generic transient signals, such as those expected from newly formed or perturbed black holes and neutron stars. The analysis will be run in real time during upcoming observing runs by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA detector network, to detect, characterise, and determine the location on the sky of GW signals. We will issue public alerts about detected events, with special emphasis on signals associated with gamma-ray bursts, core-collapse supernovae, and other relativistic astrophysical phenomena.

 This project involves developing expertise in programming, signal processing, high-throughput computing, and machine learning. You will collaborate with other GW observers, GW theorists, and astronomers in the Cardiff University Gravity Exploration Institute and in the LIGO Scientific Collaboration. The project may optionally involve a long-term (up to four months) secondment to one of the LIGO observatories in the US.

For more information, or if there are any questions, please contact Professor Patrick Sutton SuttonPJ1@cardiff.ac.uk

The typical academic requirement is a minimum of a 2:1 physics and astronomy or a relevant discipline. 

Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. IELTS 6.5 Overall with 5.5 minimum in sub-scores) (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-requirements) 

How to apply 

Applicants should apply to the Doctor of Philosophy in Physics and Astronomy. 

Applicants should submit an application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University webpages (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/programmes/programme/physics-and-astronomy) including: 

• your academic CV 

• Your degree certificates and transcripts to date including certified translations if these are not in English 

• a personal statement/covering letter 

• two references, at least one of which should be academic. Your references can be emailed by the referee to physics-admissions@cardiff.ac.uk  

Please note: We are do not contact referees directly for references for each applicant due to the volume of applications we receive.     

In the "Research Proposal" section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project.

In the funding section, please select that you will be self-funded or include your own sponsorship or scholarship details.

Once your application is submitted, we will review it and advise you within a few weeks if you have been shortlisted for an interview. 

Cardiff University and the School of Physics and Astronomy are committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity. Our inclusive environment welcomes applications from talented people from diverse backgrounds. We strongly welcome female applicants and those from any ethnic minority group, as they are underrepresented in our School. The School of Physics & Astronomy has a Juno Practitioner accreditation that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. The University is committed to ensuring that we sustain a positive working environment for all staff to flourish and achieve. As part of this commitment, the University has developed a flexible and responsive framework of procedures to support staff in managing their work and personal commitments wherever possible. Applications are welcome from individuals who wish to work part-time or full time. 

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment - research – Cardiff University. 

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.  We very much welcome applications in Welsh.