Multiple funded PhD positions are available at the UMass Dartmouth and University of Rhode Island gravity research group.
We seek candidates for multiple, fully-funded PhD positions at UMass Dartmouth and the University of Rhode Island in the broad area of gravitational-wave science.
Gravitational physics researchers at both universities have recently established the UMass-URI Gravity Research Consortium (U2GRC) — a joint gravity research group. Several new faculty researchers have been hired by both universities, including Drs. Collin Capano (UMassD), Sarah Caudill (UMassD), Michael Puerrer (URI) and Vijay Varma (UMassD). This is in addition to others who were already present, i.e. Drs. Rob Coyne (URI), Scott Field (UMassD), Bob Fisher (UMassD), Doug Gobeille (URI), and Gaurav Khanna (URI/UMassD). Most are members of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA Collaboration, LISA Consortium and the SXS Collaboration. U2GRC currently has over 10 PhD students working on various different aspects of gravitational-wave science. The group has Zoom meetings twice a week and meets in person monthly. Course exchange agreements have been formalized between the two universities to make it seamless for U2GRC students to take classes being offered at either campus. Additional agreements underway include joint student advising, collaborative grant funding, and extensive computational resource sharing.
We are particularly interested in applicants interested in working in these specific research areas: gravitational-wave data analysis and detector characterization, data driven surrogate models, numerical relativity, and black hole perturbation theory. Both universities and the U2GRC are committed to enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion in our community. We highly encourage applications from women and other underrepresented groups. Please apply by February 1st, 2024 for best chances of receiving funding.
Please reach out with any questions to Drs. Scott Field (UMass Dartmouth) and Gaurav Khanna (URI) by emailing u2grc-faculty@googlegroups.com. Candidates are welcome to apply to either or both universities, but may wish to consult Drs. Field and Khanna first on the best match for their interests and goals. To find out more about the PhD programs at both universities: UMass Dartmouth Interdisciplinary PhD (Computational Science option) and URI Physics PhD Program.