Position
You will further develop, install, and commission a new and independent calibration method that uses back-scattered light from the end benches to inject periodic phase differences in the interferometer without actively moving the mirrors.
Precise calibration of the interferometer strain h(t) is essential to exploit the full sensitivity of Virgo and ET. The technique provides an independent cross-check of the existing photon-calibrator-based reconstruction with different systematic uncertainties, gives access to higher-frequency calibration (1.5–2.0 kHz), and is expected to contribute to an improved absolute detector calibration. Its implementation is an Advanced Virgo+ Phase 2 upgrade deliverable, coordinated by the PI, and the first upgrade project coordinated by Belgian institutes (BelGrav group: UAntwerpen, UGent, VUB).
You will contribute to the hardware development of the scattering system, to the thermal and ultra-high-vacuum compatibility characterization of the scattering components, and to subsequent installation, commissioning, and performance measurements at the Virgo observatory.
You are expected to co-lead the project with the PI and work closely with a PhD student at UGent.
You will contribute to Virgo commissioning and service activities in line with Virgo authorship requirements.
You will build and maintain international scientific contacts.
You will contribute to the supervision of Master's and Bachelor's thesis projects.
The position is based in Antwerp, with time foreseen on-site at the Virgo observatory (EGO/Cascina, Italy) during installation and commissioning campaigns. Funding is available for travel to Virgo, collaboration meetings, and partner institutes.
Profile
- You hold a PhD in gravitational wave instrumentation physics, or a closely related field by the start date and you have not resided or carried out any primary activity in Belgium for at least 12 months in the past 3 years.
- You have a strong interest and background in experimental gravitational wave physics, precision optical measurement, laser interferometry, and/or detector calibration techniques.
- Your demonstrated experience with optical alignment and characterization, scattered-light modelling, photodiode readout, signal processing for calibration, or on-site commissioning of large-scale experimental apparatus is an advantage.
- You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
- You have a good knowledge of English, both oral and written.
- You are able to work both independently and within a large international collaborations.
- Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
- Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
What we offer
- We offer a full-time appointment as a postdoctoral scholarship holder for a period of 2 years.
- The planned start date is 1 November 2026 or as soon as possible after that date.
- Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for postdoctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
- You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
- You will do most of your work at Campus Groenenborger in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
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