Research Associate in Black Hole Physics

About this opportunity

Applications are invited for two Postdoctoral Research Associate positions in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP), University of Cambridge, to work with Professor Jorge Santos on "The Microscopic Structure of Black Holes" (MicroBH), a new international project funded by the John Templeton Foundation.

MicroBH brings together four groups with complementary expertise:

- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA (lead institution)

The project aims to connect string theory with gravitational-wave and black-hole observations by constructing the first horizon-scale microstate geometries of astrophysical black holes, evolving their nonlinear dynamics using numerical-relativity simulations, and computing their observable signatures. These include multipole moments, tidal effects, quasinormal modes, echoes, merger waveforms and black-hole images, for comparison with observations from LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA and the Event Horizon Telescope, and with the capabilities of future detectors including the Einstein Telescope, Cosmic Explorer and LISA.

Duties include conducting original research in mathematics, developing individual and collaborative research objectives, proposals and projects, and disseminating research findings through presentations and publications. The role holders will be expected to plan and manage their own research activities, contribute to collaborative projects and funding proposals, maintain and develop their specialist knowledge, and communicate complex technical material. They will also be expected to build internal and external networks and contribute to the wider mathematical community. Duties may also include assisting with student project supervision and the development of student research skills, providing limited instruction, and planning and delivering seminars relating to their research area.

The successful candidates will work closely with the principal investigators and their groups across all four institutions through working visits, annual in-person network meetings and regular remote meetings. They will be expected to participate in network activities, contribute to organising a cross-community PhD school and workshops, and support the training of students.

Candidates must hold, or be about to complete, a PhD in Physics or a related field. Applicants with expertise in string theory and supergravity, black-hole physics, numerical relativity, numerical methods for partial differential equations, or gravitational-wave modelling and phenomenology are particularly encouraged to apply.

These posts form part of the wider MicroBH recruitment of eight postdoctoral researchers, with two based at each partner institution. Further information about the joint call can be found here: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/33404 .

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance. An extension may be possible, subject to the availability of funds.

Expected start date: August or September 2027. Earlier start dates may be considered.

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3. a research statement of no more than three pages, using one-inch margins and a font size of 11 to 12 points, outlining previous and current research and future research plans;

4. contact details, including email addresses, for three academic referees who will be asked to provide letters of recommendation.

Please ensure that at least one referee is contactable throughout the selection process. Referees should be aware that the Mathematics HR Office Administrator may contact them to request a reference through the University's Web Recruitment System, and they should be encouraged to respond promptly.

Informal enquiries about the project may be directed to microBH@uniroma1.it .

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please email us at LE51646@maths.cam.ac.uk .

Please quote reference LE51646 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Eligibility

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Academic requirements

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English language requirements

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How to apply

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