Postdoctoral Scholarship in Physics

University of Antwerp

Belgium

Position Summary

Department: Department of Physics
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Institution: University of Antwerp
Employment Type: Full-time (100%)
Position Type: Doctoral Scholarship Holder (PhD Researcher)
Research Field: Gravitational Wave Instrumentation
Research Focus: Low-Noise Readout Electronics and Sensor Development for Next-Generation Gravitational Wave Detectors
Planned Start Date: 1 November 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
Primary Location: Campus Groenenborger, Antwerp

About the University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university.

We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20,000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society.

We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6,000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day.

Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

About the Research Group

The Particle Physics Research Group at the Department of Physics is an active member of:

Virgo Collaboration
Einstein Telescope (ET) Collaboration
ETpathfinder Collaboration

The group conducts research in:

Sensors and Actuators
Seismic Attenuation
Control Systems
Gravitational Wave Instrumentation

The group:

Operates a dedicated LVDT characterization setup.
Developed a prototype "Corecoil LVDT".
Recently acquired a MIGA-derived GAS filter that will be developed into a complete local suspension system at UAntwerp for sensor and control development.

Research Project Overview

Seismic noise is a dominant low-frequency limitation for ground-based gravitational wave detectors.

Current mitigation relies on multi-stage attenuation systems that combine:

Inverted Pendulums
Geometric Anti-Spring (GAS) Filters

These systems use:

High-precision Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) position sensors
Voice-coil actuators

for monitoring and active damping.

The PhD project focuses on:

Development of improved LVDT sensor designs beyond current Virgo and ETpathfinder baselines.
Commissioning of the MIGA-based local suspension system.
Contributions to commissioning ETpathfinder suspensions, including setup and tuning of active control algorithms.

The most successful sensor prototypes are expected to be deployed in:

ETpathfinder seismic filters
Potentially Advanced Virgo+ Phase 2 recycling-cavity suspensions

Position Responsibilities

Research

Doctoral Research

Prepare and defend a PhD thesis in gravitational wave instrumentation.
Conduct research in:
- Sensors and actuators
- Seismic attenuation
- Control systems
- Precision instrumentation

Sensor and Suspension Development

Develop improved LVDT sensor designs.
Commission the MIGA-based local suspension system.
Contribute to ETpathfinder suspension commissioning.
Set up and tune active control algorithms.

Research Planning and Execution

Develop a research plan and research methodology with supervisors.
Undertake administrative tasks required for a successful PhD trajectory.
Conduct research efficiently and to a high scientific standard.
Potentially carry out research abroad.
Compete for funding for project-related and general research costs.

Scientific Dissemination

Report progress to supervisors and committees.
Present research at scientific conferences.
Publish results in scientific journals and conferences.
Publicly defend the doctoral thesis.

Research Contributions

Contribute scientifically to existing research projects beyond the scope of the doctoral project.
Apply for internal and external predoctoral funding opportunities.

Teaching and Research Support

Carry out a limited number of teaching support tasks.
Carry out a limited number of research support tasks for the Particle Physics Group.

International Collaboration and Mobility

You will work alongside:

Postdoctoral Researchers
Senior Academic Staff at UAntwerp

You will collaborate with international partners within:

Virgo Collaboration
ETpathfinder Collaboration

The position includes regular research activities at:

ETpathfinder, Maastricht, Netherlands
Virgo, Cascina, Italy

Funding is available for travel to:

ETpathfinder
Virgo
Collaboration meetings

Profile

Educational Requirements

Master’s degree in:
- Physics
- Engineering Physics
- Or a closely related field

Candidates who will obtain their degree before appointment are also eligible.

Essential Qualifications

Scientific Background

Strong interest and background in:
- Experimental Physics
- Precision Instrumentation
- Control Systems

Academic Excellence

Evidence of excellent study results.

Language Skills

Good command of English, both written and spoken.

Teamwork

Strong motivation to work in an international scientific collaboration.
Team-oriented attitude.

Teaching and Research Competencies

Teaching competences aligned with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
Research qualities aligned with faculty and university research policies.

Personal Qualities

Commitment to:
- Quality
- Integrity
- Creativity
- Cooperation

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with gravitational wave instrumentation.
Experience in:
- Sensor development
- Seismic isolation systems

What We Offer

Appointment

Doctoral scholarship for an initial period of two years.
Following positive evaluation, renewal for an additional two years.
Total potential duration: four years.

Professional Development

Opportunity to participate in academic activities related to your work.
Access to training and educational development opportunities.

Financial Benefits

Monthly scholarship according to doctoral scholarship holder scales.
Ecocheques.
Internet-connectivity allowance.
Bicycle allowance.
Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs.

Doctoral Training

As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to:

A wide range of doctoral courses.
Educational credits through the Antwerp Doctoral School.

Working Environment

Dynamic and stimulating research environment.
Majority of work conducted at Campus Groenenborger.

Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted through the University of Antwerp online job application platform.

Application Deadline

30 July 2026 (midnight Brussels time)

Required Documents

Motivation Letter
Academic CV
Names and contact details of two referees

Letters of Recommendation

Referees should arrange for recommendation letters to be sent separately.

Selection Procedure

Applications will be reviewed as soon as possible after the application deadline.
Candidates will be notified once a decision has been made.
Eligible candidates will be informed about any subsequent steps in the selection process.