Postdoctoral Fellow in Black-Hole Microstates, Numerical Relativity and GW Phenomenology

Position Description

Expression of interest for JTF-funded postdoc positions in black-hole microstates, numerical relativity and GW phenomenology (Cambridge, Paris-Saclay, Rome Sapienza, Urbana-Champaign)

We expect to open several postdoctoral positions within the new international project “The Microscopic Structure of Black Holes” (MicroBH), recently funded by the John Templeton Foundation.

MicroBH brings together four groups with complementary expertise, with the aim of building a bridge from string theory to gravitational-wave (GW) and black-hole observations:

• IPhT, CEA Paris-Saclay, France

Prof. Iosif Bena https://www.ipht.fr/en/string-theory/

• Sapienza University of Rome, Italy

Prof. Paolo Pani https://gmunu.web.uniroma1.it/

• DAMTP, University of Cambridge, UK

Prof. Jorge Santos https://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/research/hep/person/jss55

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

Prof. Helvi Witek https://witek-gravity-group.physics.illinois.edu/

The project aims to construct the first horizon-scale microstate geometries of astrophysical black holes, to evolve their nonlinear dynamics with numerical-relativity simulations, and to compute their observable signatures (multipole moments, tidal effects, quasinormal modes, echoes, merger waveforms and black-hole images), to be confronted with current and future GW detectors (LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA, Einstein Telescope, Cosmic Explorer, LISA) and with the Event Horizon Telescope.

Two postdoctoral researchers are expected to be hired at each of the four sites through a coordinated selection process, subject to each institution’s recruitment procedures. Candidates with expertise in string theory and supergravity, black-hole physics, numerical relativity, numerical methods for PDEs, or gravitational-wave modelling and phenomenology are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants may indicate their preferred host institution(s).

Appointments are for two years, with a possible extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds, and a salary competitive with international standards. Candidates must hold, or be about to complete, a Ph.D. in Physics or a related field and must have completed their PhD before the start of the position.

The positions are expected to start in August/September 2027, although earlier start dates can be considered.

The deadline for expressions of interest through AJO is 15 December 2026. Screening will begin in December 2026 and will continue until the positions are filled.

Expressions of interest and recommendation letters can be submitted via this website

Separate application required for Cambridge positions

Applicants wishing to be considered for the Cambridge positions must submit a separate application through the University of Cambridge’s recruitment system, following the application requirements and deadline specified in the Cambridge advert:

https://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/57723/

An expression of interest submitted through AJO does not constitute an application for the Cambridge positions.

Postdocs will be part of a strongly interconnected team and will interact closely with all the PIs and their groups, including other postdocs, students and researchers, through working visits across the host institutions, yearly in-person network meetings and regular remote meetings. Successful applicants are expected to take part in all network activities, including the organization of a cross-community PhD school and workshops, and the training of students.

The four host institutions offer vibrant research environments, with renowned groups in gravitational physics, high-energy theory and gravitational-wave science.

Contact:

microBH@uniroma1.it

For expressions of interest submitted through AJO, applicants are requested to provide:

• A cover letter.
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.
• A research statement, limited to three pages with 1-inch margins and an 11–12 pt font, containing a summary of previous and current research and future research plans.
• Contact information for at least three referees who will be asked to write letters of recommendation.
• Indicate your preferred host institution (Paris-Saclay, Roma, Urbana-Champaign)