Emplois

PhD student position in thermal field theory and gravitational wave cosmology

 
Job description:
At the Département de Physique Théorique (DPT) of the University of Genève, we are looking for candidates to fill a PhD position (4-year) in theoretical high energy physics.
 
During your time as a PhD student, you will be supervised by Dr. Philipp Schicho in close collaboration with Prof. Riva and Prof. Caprini -- who all have expertise in cosmology, the computation of radiative corrections in field theories, modern approaches to phase transitions and gravitational wave physics.
Your work will be focused on precision computations for gravitational waves from cosmological phase transitions in the context of the PRECLISA project: 
Gravitational waves from cosmological phase transitions: Precision cosmology in the light of LISA. This grant project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). Your role in this project is to develop finite-temperature field theory tools to better describe cosmological phase transitions in a broad temperature range. Since this task combines analytical/diagrammatic and numerical calculations, you will have the chance to develop expertise in thermal effective theories using computer algebra systems such as FORM.
 
The Cosmology and Astroparticle physics group at the DPT is strongly involved in the study of gravitational wave physics and cosmology, see https://cosmology.unige.ch/.
Senior members of the group are: Camille Bonvin, Chiara Caprini, Julien Carron, Ruth Durrer, Stefano Foffa, Martin Kunz, Lucas Lombriser, Michele Maggiore, Antonio Riotto, and Francesco Riva. Additionally, you will also have the opportunity to obtain expertise in theoretical and experimental particles physics through the close connection with CERN. In this lively research environment, you are encouraged to collaborate with local PhD students, postdocs and staff. We also strongly encourage you to attend and contribute to seminars, and support an interactive and respectful working environment.
 
The annual salary is transparently set by a predetermined matrix from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) for Doctoral students and ranges from CHF 47’000 to CHF 50’000 per annum. Additionally there will be ample funds for travel.
 
University of Genève is a place of openness and during the hiring process, we will focus on a bias-free evaluation following the guidelines of the Equality and Diversity Commission of the Faculty of Science at University of Genève. This means anyone is encouraged to apply. We are particularly interested in the scientific strengths that come with a diverse working environment and we will refrain from repeating historically built up biases that the field of theoretical physics is facing every day.
 
Starting date:
Employment will start on 1st of September 2024.
About you:
  • You have a bachelor and master degree in physics,
  • You have a background in theoretical/computational physics,
  • You are experienced/interested in thermal field theory and precision computations,
  • You have experience in Python and Mathematica; familiarity with C/C++ and FORM is desirable but not necessary,
  • You are willing to commit to interact and communicate with all colleagues across the department.
 
Application:
To apply, please submit the following material (in one pdf) via e-mail to Dr. Philipp Schicho (schicho(at)itp.uni-frankfurt.de):
  1.  a motivation letter (maximum 1 page), 
  2.  a curriculum vitae, including publications (if applicable),
  3.  a transcript of records of your grades of courses obtained during your bachelor and master degrees (provided it is free to obtain for you),
  4.  a copy of your masters thesis (or a draft thereof if still in preparation),
  5.  1-2 confidential letters of recommendation to be sent to the same e-mail address prior to the deadline of 1st of March 2024.
 All e-mails should contain "PRECLISA2024" in the subject line.
 
The application deadline is the 1st of March 2024.
The position is expected to be filled during March 2024. The evaluation of the application will start on 1st of March 2024. Priority will be given to applications received by 1st of March 2024, however, late submissions will be considered until a suitable candidate is found.
 
 

Fellowships

We welcome applications from highly qualified applicants seeking to hold external fellowships with us. These can be very competitive and we encourage applicants to submit internal applications to the department first, which will undergo a pre-selection. The internal deadlines vary with the fellowship, please enquire with a faculty member closest to your area of interest for further detail.

An internal application consists of a CV (including details of references), an up-to-date publication list, and a preliminary version of your research proposal.

A partial list of fellowships that can be held in our department follows below. This list is not exhaustive, if there are other national or international fellowships you would like to propose being hosted here, please get in touch.

Deadlines

FNS Ambizione

1 November 2024

Internal: 15 October 2024