The Gravitational Wave (GW) group at UCLouvain (Belgium) is searching for an outstanding postdoctoral researcher in gravitational wave instrumentation. The successful applicant will contribute to cutting-edge research and development projects for the Virgo interferometric GW detector and the future Einstein Telescope (ET), as well as instrumentation for other gravitational-wave detectors and prototypes.
Our group is hosted at the Center for Cosmology, Particle Physics and Phenomenology (CP3) of the Research Institute in Mathematics and Physics (IRMP). The CP3 center hosts research in physics of the Universe and fundamental interactions both on the experimental and theoretical fronts. The UCLouvain gravitational-wave group is part of the Virgo and Einstein Telescope collaborations. We also participate actively in two Einstein Telescope research and development facilities, E-TEST and ETpathfinder funded by the EU through its Interreg Europe programme. The group is also active in LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) physics data analyses and contributes significantly to the computing effort of the LVK Collaboration via the CP3 computing cluster and by providing GRID-based services. The CP3 center of UCLouvain, is a highly international, diverse, and stimulating environment that also includes groups working on CERN experiments (CMS and NA62), IceCube, KM3NeT, muography, and on projects in theoretical particle physics and cosmology.
The selected candidate is expected to play a central role in laser and optics related projects. Specific projects could include: investigation of higher-order resonant modes for the future ET project, transverse optical mode control for high power lasers using phase cameras, and developing extremely stable lasers with 1.5 and 2-micrometer wavelengths. The successful candidate will work with Dr A. Goodwin-Jones, prof. C. Lauzin, and prof. G. Bruno. Two PhD students on these topics will also be part of the team. Collaboration with the rest of the Belgian GW community and our international partners at ETpathfinder, E-TEST, Virgo and ET is foreseen. We provide strong support for travel and professional development, anticipating funding for at least one major European conference per year and regular travel to collaborative partner sites.
UCLouvain is located 25 km south of Brussels, easily accessible by public transport, offering a choice between city life in the EU capital or the peaceful countryside surrounding the campus. UCLouvain provides numerous benefits, including reimbursement of public transport and free language courses. Learn more about life at UCLouvain here.
The duration of the appointment can be up to 4 years in total, renewable yearly subject to mutual satisfaction. The selected candidate is ideally expected to start the appointment in January 2025. We strongly encourage applications from women, individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, and other minorities, as we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment.
Applications must include a curriculum vitae, a personal motivation letter including a research statement, and at least two recommendation letters from senior scientists. Applications must be submitted on-line, by Sunday 17 November 2024, using the link at the top of this page. Applicants should hold, by the time of the start of the appointment, a PhD degree in physics or engineering and they should demonstrate a strong interest and motivation in instrumentation for research in fundamental physics. Additionally, they should not have lived or carried out their main activity (work, study, etc.) in Belgium for more than 24 months in the three years prior to the appointment starting date. The position will remain open after the first deadline indicated above until a suitable candidate is found.
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