PhD Positions in Gravity at the Extreme

PhD Positions in Gravity at the Extreme

Young Researchers Potsdam-Golm Astronomy & Astrophysics Particle, Plasma and Quantum Physics Job Offer from October 30, 2026

The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute, AEI) in Potsdam, Germany, invites applications for several fully funded PhD positions in the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) “Gravity at the Extreme”. We are looking for creative, proactive, and motivated candidates who thrive in a vibrant, interdisciplinary team.

Where you will work

You will join one of these research units in Potsdam:

• Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity department (ACR), AEI
• Computational Relativistic Astrophysics department (CRA), AEI
• Multi-messenger Astrophysics of Compact Binaries group, AEI / Theoretical Astrophysics group, University of Potsdam (UP)

The IMPRS connects the AEI (Potsdam and Hannover) with the University of Potsdam, Humboldt University Berlin, and Leibniz University Hannover, as well as international affiliates at the University of Maryland and the Yukawa Institute for Theoretical Physics (Kyoto). Students can join the LIGO Scientific Collaboration(soon International Gravitational-Wave Observatory Network (IGWN)) (via ACR), theDistributed Data Processing Center (DDPC)(via ACR), the LISA Consortium (via ACR), and the Einstein Telescope Collaboration (via AEI–UP). ACR and CRA run three in-house high-performance compute clusters for source modeling, waveform development, and GW data analysis.

What you could work on

• Analytical relativity and source modeling: gravitational dynamics and radiation with post-Newtonian and post-Minkowskian theory, gravitational self-force, black-hole perturbation theory, and effective-one-body formalism in general relativity and beyond
• Numerical relativity: simulations of compact objects in general relativity and alternative theories of gravity; stellar collapse to black holes and neutron stars
• Gravitational-wave data analysis: LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA data; pipelines and methods for LISA and the Einstein Telescope; accelerated inference, including machine learning
• Fundamental physics, astrophysics & cosmology: tests of gravity in the strong-field, highly dynamical regime; compact-binary populations, environmental effects, cosmography with gravitational waves (dark energy, dark matter, lensing)
• Multi-messenger & high-energy astrophysics: neutron-star mergers, electromagnetic counterparts, the neutron-star equation of state, nucleosynthesis, gamma-ray bursts

What we offer

• Full funding with no tuition fees, plus support for conferences and professional development
• A structured, English-language graduate program with individual supervision and mentoring by research scientists who are leaders in their respective fields
• World-class facilities and cutting-edge research projects in a worldwide network
• Practical support: computing facilities, PhD representatives, language courses, visa and residence permit help, childcare and family services – just 30 minutes from central Berlin

Requirements

A Master’s degree (or equivalent) by the start of the PhD. Research is carried out at the AEI in Potsdam; the doctorate is awarded by the University of Potsdam or Humboldt University Berlin.

Your application

Apply via the online application form. Please upload:

Application deadline: 4 January 2027, 23:59:59 (UTC+1). Reference letters: 11 January 2027

• Cover letter, CV, and university transcripts
• Statement of research interests (max. 3 pages): your past research experience, future interests and how they relate to the IMPRS’ scientific mission
• List of publications and Master thesis (if available)

You will be asked to rank your preferred departments/groups and name three referees, who will receive upload instructions for their recommendation letters once you submit. See the IMPRS FAQ and the IMPRS website for details.

Application deadline: 4 January 2027, 23:59:59 (UTC+1)
Reference letters: 11 January 2027

Please make sure your referees submit on time.

Equal opportunities

The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation or national origin. We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic background, origin, religion and ideology, age, sexual orientation and identity (Code of Conduct). The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. The institute promotes a healthy work-life balance by offering all employees a family support service, cooperation with a nearby international kindergarten, a parent-child office and a nursing room.

Use of AI tools

AI tools may be used to prepare your application (e.g., to improve grammar and structure). Any use beyond spelling and grammar checking must be declared in the application, naming the tool and its purpose. Applicants remain fully responsible for the accuracy and truthfulness of their application and for compliance with good scientific practice.