Doctoral scholarship holder low-noise readout electronics for next-generation gravitational wave detectors

Departement: Departement Fysica
Regime Voltijds

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The Particle Physics Research group at the Department of Physics in the Faculty of Science is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of low-noise readout electronics for next-generation gravitational wave detectors. The group is an active member of the Virgo, Einstein Telescope (ET), and ETpathfinder collaborations.

Position

You will actively work on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of field of gravitational wave instrumentation. 
You will join the group's research on sensors & actuators, seismic attenuation and controls. Seismic noise is a dominant low-frequency limitation for ground-based gravitational wave detectors, and is mitigated by multi-stage attenuation systems combining inverted pendulums and Geometric Anti-Spring (GAS) filters, equipped with high-precision Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) position sensors and voice-coil actuators for monitoring and active damping. 
The UAntwerp group operates a dedicated LVDT characterization setup, has developed a prototype "Corecoil LVDT", and has recently received a MIGA-derived GAS filter that will be developed into a complete local suspension system at UAntwerp to serve as an in-house platform for sensor and control development.

The PhD project will focus on (i) the development of improved LVDT sensor designs that extend the current Virgo/ETpathfinder baselines; (ii) the commissioning of the MIGA-based local suspension system; and (iii) contributions to the commissioning of ETpathfinder suspensions, including the setup and tuning of active control algorithms. The most successful sensor prototypes are foreseen to be deployed in ETpathfinder seismic filters and could potentially be used for the stable recycling-cavity suspensions of Advanced Virgo+ Phase 2.

You will work alongside postdoctoral researchers and senior academic staff at UAntwerp, and will engage with international partners in the Virgo and ETpathfinder collaborations. The position involves regular on-site work at ETpathfinder (Maastricht, NL), and research visits to Virgo (Cascina, IT).

You will draw up a research plan and corresponding research methods in consultation with your supervisor(s) and undertake the necessary administration for a smooth PhD process.

You will conduct the research efficiently and to an appropriate standard, possibly abroad, and compete for funding for general or specific costs.

You will report progress to your supervisor(s) and committees, and present your research at scientific conferences.

You will defend your thesis publicly and aim for publication in the scientific press.

You will make a supporting, scientific contribution to existing research projects or lines of research within beyond your own doctoral research.

You will compete for internal or external predoctoral funding.

In addition to project-based research, You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Particle Physics group.

The position is based in Antwerp, with funding available for travel to ETpathfinder, Virgo, and collaboration meetings.

Profile

You hold a master degree in physics, engineering physics, or a closely related field or you will have obtained it by the time of appointment.

You have a strong interest and background in experimental physics, precision instrumentation, or control systems.

Having experience with gravitational wave instrumentation, in particular sensor development or seismic isolation is an advantage.

You are a team player and eager to work in an international collaboration.

You can provide evidence of excellent study results.

You have a good knowledge of English, both oral and written.

Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.

Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.

You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.

What we offer

We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another two years.

We offer the opportunity to take part in academic activities within the scope of your work, as well as the opportunity to further develop yourself through training and education.

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 doctoral scholarship holders.

You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.

As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.

You will do most of your work at Campus Groenenborger in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.

Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 30 July 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:

a motivation letter

your academic CV

the names and contact details of two referees, who should arrange for letters of recommendation to be sent separately.

The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.

If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to Voir email sur uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact:

Prof. Dr. Hans Van Haevermaet
Particle Physics Group, University of Antwerp
E-mail: Voir email sur uantwerpen.be
Group website: https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/particle-physics-group/

Letters of Reference should be sent to:  

Voir email sur uantwerpen.be

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