Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed Term)

We are looking for a researcher, whose expertise lies in gravitational waves. They will be expected to conduct research on perturbative or nonperturbative waveform modelling, with applications to data analysis, and contribute to the objectives of the STFC Gravitational Wave Consolidated Grant “Precision Gravity With LIGO-Virgo-Karga” (PI: T Sotiriou, Co-Is: M Bezares, S Green, L Sberna) and/or the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship “AI-Driven Inference for Gravitational Waves: Accelerating Discoveries in Fundamental Physics” (PI: S Green). 

We believe that talented and inclusive teams deliver the highest quality research and are seeking applications from high quality candidates who enhance the diversity of our existing team. The School is committed to creating opportunities for people traditionally under-represented in Mathematical Sciences and strives to maintain an environment where people can be their authentic selves.  

You will be able to carry out duties to the highest standard and to evidence how through your experience you will:

• Undertake original research of international excellence.
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own and/or collaborative research area.
• Prepare papers for publication in leading journals and/or contribute to the dissemination at national/international conferences, workshops and meetings resulting in successful research outputs.
• Identify opportunities and assist in writing bids for research grant applications. Prepare proposals and applications to both external and/or internal bodies for funding, contractual or accreditation purposes.

We are looking for a confident, organised researcher who can evidence:

• A PhD, or equivalent, in physics, mathematics, or a closely related discipline.  Candidates may be near completion but must have their PhD awarded prior to starting the post.
• Expert knowledge of gravitation. This should include one or more of the following: gravitational-wave modelling or data analysis, black hole perturbations, mathematical or numerical relativity.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
• Networking, actively engaging with and valuing other areas and diverse groups.

This full-time post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for a period of 24 months and the starting time could be anytime before October 1st 2026. Many of our team have flexible working patterns so we’re open to discuss flexible working arrangements with you.  

The Nottingham Centre of Gravity (NCoG) brings together internationally leading expertise in gravitational physics from the School of Mathematical Sciences and the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Nottingham, with the aim of expanding this expertise into new areas. NCoG is built on six overlapping pillars of gravitational research: fundamental physics, mathematics, cosmology, relativistic astrophysics, experiment, and data & modelling. It comprises 17 permanent staff members, including Dr Miguel Bezares (numerical relativity), Dr Stephen Green (gravitational waves, data analysis including machine learning, black holes), Dr Laura Sberna (gravitational waves, black holes, and environmental effects), and Prof Thomas Sotiriou (gravitational waves, black holes, and alternative theories). At any given time, NCoG also includes about 7-8 postdocs and 25 students. Staff are active members of the LIGO, LISA, and ET collaborations.  

If it sounds like you would be a good fit, we look forward to hearing from you.  

Informal enquiries can be sent to thomas.sotiriou@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note, any applications directed to this email will not be considered. 

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