PhD position in gravitational-wave instrumentation (optics) at Ghent University
The Ghent Gravity Group is seeking applications for a PhD position in gravitational-wave instrumentation (optics). The candidate will work with Dr. Daniela Pascucci on the development of an output mode cleaner (OMC) for the ETpathfinder.
The Etpathfinder is a R&D research facility located in Maastricht for developing and testing new technologies for the next generation of gravitational-wave detectors such as the Einstein Telescope. An optical laboratory is being set up in Ghent University for the characterization of the 2μm wavelength laser for the ETpathfinder. The PhD research will involve design and characterization carried out in the laboratory in Ghent as well as installation and commissioning in the facility in Maastricht. The project will be integrated into the Optics work package of ETpathfinder project and will involve close collaboration with members of the ETpathfinder consortium including project leader Prof. Stefan Hild and Optics work package deputy leader Prof. Sebastian Steinlechner. Some instrumentation commitments towards the Virgo project including commissioning duties are also expected from the successful candidate.
The Ghent Gravity Group is led by Prof. Archisman Ghosh. Its broader research activities span the analysis of Advanced LIGO/Virgo and KAGRA data, cosmology and strong-field gravity using gravitational-wave observations, future observatories including the Einstein Telescope, and instrument science for the ETpathfinder project. The group is embedded within the Experimental Particle Physics division of the Department of Physics and Astronomy in Ghent University. The group forms the Virgo BelGrav network with neighbouring universities in Belgium (including Antwerp, Brussel, Bruxelles, Louvain, and Liège) and is closely connected with institutes in the Netherlands including Maastricht University and Nikhef. BelGrav-UGent is one of the initial founding research units of the recently-formed Einstein Telescope Collaboration.
Candidates should have a masters degree in the Physical Sciences or Engineering. Applications should include: (i) a statement of interest (up to two pages), (ii) a brief academic CV, (iii) a list of grades, (iv) title and abstract of masters thesis (if applicable), and additionally (v) two letters of reference (to be sent directly by the referees). Applications including letters of reference are to be sent to gravity@ugent.be.
The deadline for applications is 11 November 2022. We will interview the shortlisted candidates in late November and announce the results by mid-December. The position is expected to begin on 01 February 2023 or soon afterwards. PhD positions in Belgium are for a duration of 4 years. The language of communication in the research groups is English, and there are no special language requirements for the advertised position. Information on international life in Ghent is available at The Square.Gent. For more information about the positions, please contact Dr. Daniela Pascucci <daniela.pascucci@ugent.be> or Prof. Archisman Ghosh <archisman.ghosh@ugent.be>.