24 sep 2025 - 13:20 CET

The Relativistic Astrophysics Group at the University of Valencia
(Spain) invites applications for one 4-year PhD position in the topic
of gravitational-wave physics in theories beyond general relativity.
This position is linked to the research project “Computational
relativistic astrophysics and data analysis in the era of
gravitational-wave astronomy” (PID2024-159689NB-C21) of the Spanish
Research Agency. The position entails research work on modelling of
astrophysical sources of gravitational waves, numerical relativity,
and data analysis.

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate interested in strong field
modifications of general relativity and their test through
astrophysical observations of compact objects. The candidate will
conduct gravitational-wave source modelling in such theories, with
these three main goals: (1) Find new qualitative features in
gravitational-wave signals and electromagnetic signals from binary
black hole and binary neutron star mergers in modified gravity. (2)
Explore the core-collapse supernova gravitational-wave signature for a
rotating progenitor in modified theories of gravity. (3) Model
isolated rotating black holes and neutron stars beyond general
relativity, studying their observational properties and stability.

The Relativistic Astrophysics Group at the University of Valencia
comprises faculty members Pablo Cerdá-Durán, José Antonio Font, Samuel
Santos, and Alejandro Torres-Forné, non-tenured faculty Daniela
Doneva, Milton Ruiz and Nicolás Sanchis-Gual, and over ten PhD
students. The group is part of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration, the
Einstein Telescope Collaboration and of the LISA Consortium.

The successful candidate will be supervised by Daniela Doneva.

Applicants should prepare a CV, a brief statement of research interests,
the academic transcripts, and the names (address, e-mail) of two potential
referees. This documentation has to be sent by email before Oct 15th,
2025 to Toni Font (j.antonio.font@uv.es) and Daniela Doneva
(daniela.doneva@uv.es).
The start dates are flexible, but we aim to fill the position as soon
as possible.

The University of Valencia is an equal opportunity employer that is
committed to diversity and inclusion encouraging applications from
women and/or other underrepresented groups.