Research Associate in Black Hole Physics

Applications are invited for two Postdoctoral Research Associate positions in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP), University of Cambridge, to work with Professor Jorge Santos on "The Microscopic Structure of Black Holes" (MicroBH), a new international project funded by the John Templeton Foundation.

MicroBH brings together four groups with complementary expertise:

• IPhT, CEA Paris-Saclay, France

Prof. Iosif Bena
https://www.ipht.fr/en/string-theory/

• Sapienza University of Rome, Italy

Prof. Paolo Pani
https://gmunu.web.uniroma1.it/

• DAMTP, University of Cambridge, UK

Prof. Jorge Santos
https://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/research/hep/person/jss55

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA (lead institution)

Prof. Helvi Witek
https://witek-gravity-group.physics.illinois.edu/

The project aims to connect string theory with gravitational-wave and black-hole observations by constructing the first horizon-scale microstate geometries of astrophysical black holes, evolving their nonlinear dynamics using numerical-relativity simulations, and computing their observable signatures. These include multipole moments, tidal effects, quasinormal modes, echoes, merger waveforms and black-hole images, for comparison with observations from LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA and the Event Horizon Telescope, and with the capabilities of future detectors including the Einstein Telescope, Cosmic Explorer and LISA.

Duties include conducting original research in mathematics, developing individual and collaborative research objectives, proposals and projects, and disseminating research findings through presentations and publications. The role holders will be expected to plan and manage their own research activities, contribute to collaborative projects and funding proposals, maintain and develop their specialist knowledge, and communicate complex technical material. They will also be expected to build internal and external networks and contribute to the wider mathematical community. Duties may also include assisting with student project supervision and the development of student research skills, providing limited instruction, and planning and delivering seminars relating to their research area.

The successful candidates will work closely with the principal investigators and their groups across all four institutions through working visits, annual in-person network meetings and regular remote meetings. They will be expected to participate in network activities, contribute to organising a cross-community PhD school and workshops, and support the training of students.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance. An extension may be possible, subject to the availability of funds.

Expected start date: August or September 2027. Earlier start dates may be considered.

Closing date: 15 December 2026. Screening of applications will begin in December 2026.

These posts form part of the wider MicroBH recruitment of eight postdoctoral researchers, with two based at each partner institution. Further information about the joint call can be found here: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/33404.

Informal enquiries about the project may be directed to microBH@uniroma1.it.

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please email us at LE51646@maths.cam.ac.uk.