Numerical study of global properties of general relativistic space-times

This project is part of a larger research program which tries to study the global structure of space-times by numerically solving the conformal field equations, a system of partial differential equations which is equivalent to the vacuum Einstein equations. The main advantage of the conformal field equations is that they give us access to the asymptotic regions of a space-time. This allows us to study problems that involve infinite space and large times. Specific problems to study are perturbations of (Schwarzschild, Reissner-Nordström, Kerr-Newman) black-hole, the stability of space-times such as Kerr or anti-de Sitter and the computation of gravitational radiation from isolated sources.

The candidate will learn general relativity, sophisticated methods of conformal geometry and how to solve partial differential equations using modern numerical solution techniques. We are looking for candidates with a strong background in general relativity and/or mathematics with an interest in numerics. Programming experience is essential.