"PhD position in Gravitational Wave Astroparticle Physics (GRAPPA, University of Amsterdam)"

Help us pioneer gravitational wave probes of dark matter. Do you want to work at the interface of general relativity, cosmology, and data analysis, and help build the tools that will make dark matter discoverable with future gravitational wave interferometers? Join GRAPPA as a PhD candidate within the ERC Advanced Grant “De Tenebris” (PI: G. Bertone) and develop precision models of binary black holes in astrophysical and dark matter environments.

You will join the GRAPPA centre of excellence for Gravitation and Astroparticle Physics at the University of Amsterdam, embedded in the Institute of Physics at Amsterdam Science Park. You will be part of an international team working on dark matter in strong-gravity environments, in close contact with collaborators in the LISA community and beyond. Your mission is to advance the theory and computation needed to identify dark matter signatures in gravitational wave data.

What you will do:

• Carry out research on gravitational wave sources in dark matter or related astrophysical environments;
• Present your work in group meetings and conferences; write and co-author publications;
• Contribute to education (exercise classes and BSc/MSc supervision) as customary at the Faculty of Science.

What we ask of you:

We are looking for highly motivated candidates who will have completed an MSc in Physics, Astronomy, or a closely related field by the start date; have a solid grounding in General Relativity and/or gravitational wave astrophysics; have experience in scientific programming (for example in Python or C++); communicate clearly in English; and enjoy working in a collaborative research environment. It is a plus, not a requirement, if you are already familiar with cosmological or N-body simulations, basic concepts in gravitational wave data analysis, or dark matter phenomenology.

What we offer you:

We offer a temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week ranges between € 3,059 to € 3,881 (Scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD candidate is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The preferred starting date is to be discussed. This employment should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students. You will have access to GRAPPA’s vibrant research environment, travel support, and training (graduate courses, schools, and conferences).

You will work in this team:

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain. The Institute of Physics (IoP) of the University of Amsterdam is located in the centre of the Amsterdam Science Park. The IoP – as part of the Faculty of Science –is housed in a modern building with excellent labs and technical facilities. Surrounded by several national research institutes and with our partners at the Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam, the institute is part of a strong physics centre of international standing. You will be based at GRAPPA — an internationally recognized hub in gravitation, astroparticle physics, and cosmology. GRAPPA hosts experts in gravitational waves, numerical relativity, multimessenger astrophysics, and dark matter, and collaborates with LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA, LISA, and the Einstein Telescope communities.

How to apply: Applications are accepted exclusively through AcademicJobsOnline at the following link: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30677. What to submit on AJO: Cover letter, a detailed Curriculum Vitae including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience, Research statement, Two reference letters (to be uploaded directly by referees on AJO). Please apply online via the AJO link by December 1st, 2025. Review of applications will begin then and continue until the position is filled.