PhD Studentship: Gravitational Waves from Neutron Star Binaries

Gravitational waves from colliding neutron stars provide a unique opportunity for probing the properties of ultra-dense matter and fundamental interactions in extreme regimes. This PhD project focuses on modelling tidal effects in the waveforms emitted by binary neutron stars, and subsequently applying these models to parameter estimation and population inference, with an emphasis on determining the as-of-yet unknown neutron star equation-of-state. The successful candidate will work to create cutting-edge models using post-Newtonian theory and numerical relativity techniques to better capture the complex physics of neutron star systems. They will then apply these models within a Bayesian inference framework to analyse gravitational-wave data, enabling new insights into the structure of neutron stars and their equation-of-state properties.

This project offers a unique opportunity to innovate in waveform modelling and conduct novel analyses of gravitational-wave observations. They will also be encouraged to join the LIGO Scientific Collaboration. Ideal applicants will have a strong background in theoretical astrophysics and general relativity, computational and analytical skills as well as core statistics knowledge.

The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of the Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School’s commitment to promote diversity and equality, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all students and staff can achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented groups in physics and astronomy including, but not limited to, women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic.

For more information on postgraduate research at the University of Birmingham please visit https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research and http://www.sr.bham.ac.uk/phd/index.php for details on eligibility criteria and entry requirements. To apply for this position, please click on the 'Apply' button above and select "Apply now" for the relevant option (Program “PhD in Department of Physics and Astronomy” and Year “2025/2026”). To be considered for this project, please include “Patricia Schmidt” as one of your proposed supervisors.

Funding notes:

This is a competition-funded PhD studentship available for UK students and EU students with settled or pre-settled status.

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