About the Project
Gravitational wave (GW) astronomy is approaching a paradigm shift: within the next decade, next-generation observatories such as the Einstein Telescope and LISA will be sensitive enough to reveal not only every binary black hole (BBH) merger in the observable universe, but potentially entirely new, exotic sources of gravitational waves — including compact objects, such as boson stars, which are predicted by dark matter models. Extracting this physics depends on having sufficiently accurate…
theoretical models to interpret the data, and current models fall short in several ways.
In this studentship, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to explore overlapping facets of the challenges at hand. This includes topics in GW theory, numerical relativity and data analysis. Under the guidance of Dr. London, the student will have flexibility to make contributions to (1) perturbation theory, particularly the perturbative two body problem and single perturbed black holes (2) the numerical simulation of exotic compact objects, particularly binary boson stars, and (3) the development of advanced signal models for upcoming GW detection scenarios.
The successful candidate will gain training in gravitational wave theory, numerical relativity, signal modelling, statistical data analysis, and scientific computing (e.g. Python and/or C), and will have opportunities to contribute results used directly by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration. The project is based at King's College London, which participates in the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA, LISA and Einstein Telescope collaborations, and will benefit from close collaboration numerical relativity groups at KCL and beyond.
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a strong background in physics, applied mathematics, or a closely related field, and an interest in general relativity, gravitational wave astronomy, and/or scientific computing. Prior experience with numerical methods, signal processing, or machine learning is desirable but not essential. This is a fully funded studentship (Royal Society-funded University Research Fellowship), covering Home tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend. The studentship comes with generous support for conference travel and academic visits.
Application Procedure
To be considered for the position candidates must apply via King’s Apply online application system. Details are available at https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/areas/physics-research-mphil-phd.
Please apply for ‘Physics Research MPhil/PhD (full-time) programme' and indicate Dr Lionel London as the supervisor and quote the project title in your application and all correspondence.
Please ensure to add ‘909’ in the Funding section of the application form. Please select option 5 ‘I am applying for a funding award or scholarship administered by King’s College London’ and type the code into the ‘Award Scheme Code or Name’ box. Please copy and paste the code exactly.
The selection process will involve a pre-selection on documents and, if selected, will be followed by an invitation to an interview. If successful at the interview, an offer will be provided in due course.
For administrative support please contact physics-pgr@kcl.ac.uk and lionel.london@kcl.ac.uk. Prospective students emailing Dr. London should include their CV and recent academic transcript.
Funding Notes
Please quote '909' when applying as the funding code/reference.
A fully funded, 3.5 year PhD studentship. Funding is open Home students and covers a stipend of approximately £23,805 pa, tuition fees and a research training support allowance. The studentship starts on 1 February 2027.