Queen Mary University of London, Centre for Theoretical Physics

Position ID:

QMUL-Centre for Theoretical Physics-PDRA [#29088]

Position Title:

Gravitational Waves from Worldline Quantum Field Theory

Position Type:

Postdoctoral

Position Location:

London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Subject Areas:

Physics / Gravitational Waves, hep-th, GR-Cosmology (gr-qc), High Energy Theory, Scattering amplitudes, Theoretical Particle Physics

Starting Date:

2025/10/01

Appl Deadline:

2024/12/20 11:59PM help popup

(posted 2024/11/13, updated 2024/10/30, listed until 2025/04/30)

Position Description:

PLEASE NOTE: All applicants are also required to submit an application directly to Queen Mary, not including reference letters, before the closing date at https://qmul-jobs.tal.net/vx/mobile-0/appcentre-ext/brand-4/candidate/so/pm/1/pl/3/opp/4289-Postdoctoral-Research-Assistant/en-GB.

** About the Role **

The Centre for Theoretical Physics (CTP) at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) position in theoretical physics, offered initially for one year with a strong possibility of extension for up to three years (1+2). The position is funded by Gustav Mogull’s Royal Society University Research Fellowship, “Gravitational Waves from Worldline Quantum Field Theory”. Applicants should have a strong research record within theoretical physics, including knowledge of gravitational waves, quantum field theory and effective field theory. They should be enthusiastic about contributing to the continuing development of Worldline Quantum Field Theory (WQFT), and its applications to gravitational waveform modelling.

** About You **

The successful candidate will hold a PhD (or equivalent) in theoretical physics and have expertise in modern Quantum Field Theory (QFT) techniques and/or General Relativity (GR). This may include (but is not limited to): quantum scattering in the classical and/or eikonal limits, higher-spin scattering amplitudes, gravitational self-force, bound/unbound mappings, multipolar post-Minkowskian (MPM) and the effective-one-body formalisms. Applicants who have worked directly on gravitational waveform models are also encouraged to apply. While the candidate will be expected to work with Dr Mogull, they will also contribute to the CTP more generally, and may build their own collaborations with academics, PDRAs and PhD students. They will be required to have strong analytical skills, to be an effective team player and to be creative and work independently.

** About the School/Department **

The CTP at QMUL is home to one of the leading groups in amplitudes research. Besides Gustav Mogull its current members include Andi Brandhuber, Ricardo Monteiro, Bill Spence, Gabriele Travaglini, Congkao Wen, and Chris White. Our physics interests are very broad, with a recent focus on properties of amplitudes in gauge theory and gravity, applications to classical physics and gravitational waves, the classical double copy, scattering equations and string amplitudes, and phenomenology. This PDRA position will provide the successful candidate with an exceptional opportunity to become part of a highly active Research Centre focused on fertile and vibrant areas of theoretical physics.

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable. Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers. We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

** Benefits **

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, campus facilities and flexible working arrangements.

The post is based at the Mile End Campus in London. It is a full-time, fixed-term appointment for one year with an expected start date in October 2025. The starting salary will be Grade 4, in the range of £41,123 - £45,622 p/a, inclusive of London Allowance.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

Application Materials Required:

Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:

Cover letter
Curriculum Vitae
Research statement
Publication list
Three reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site )

And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/spcs/ctp/

Centre for Theoretical Physics
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Queen Mary University of London
London E1 4NS
United Kingdom