Post-doctoral fellow on global fitting algorithms for the LISA space mission

The position is placed at the Division of Astrophysics in the Department of Physics to work with David Hobbs on developing algorithms to improve the quality and scientific information that can be derived from the LISA mission. This work will be done in close collaboration with the Stellar Dynamics and Evolution group in Lund, headed by Ross Church, which works on a range of topics related to understanding the evolution and dynamics of single and binary stars, particularly neutron star binaries which are detectable by LISA.

A central challenge of analysing LISA data is to deal with the so-called cocktail party problem – since all emitting gravitational wave sources are visible at all times, any individual source must be extracted from the cacophony of noise provided by all the other sources. We wish to study and evaluate algorithms for analysing LISA data, with the aim of producing more robust solutions. It is envisioned that the algorithms would iteratively improve the global solution by adding increasing amounts of data during the mission and using earlier high quality solutions as priors for subsequent steps. It is not a-priori clear that the current Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods are the best solution for this problem so our focus will be to attempt different algorithmic approaches to assess their suitability for solving the global problem in terms of convergence, characterisation of correlations, and false positive detection, which is particularly important for fainter sources.

An additional aspect is multi-messenger science and we wish to investigate the use of external data (e.g. from Gaia, LSST, GaiaNIR, Euclid, NewAthena, etc.) to enhance the solutions and the overall science return. The combination of LISA and data from other projects would potentially allow a more accurate Galaxy model potential, including bulge, disc and halo, to be constructed. Likewise LISA will detect GW parameters which could be used to constrain and improve Gaia or GaiaNIR solutions. This holistic approach of combining different data sets can be applied to other missions also and systematic efforts are needed to study synergies, develop a framework and put it into operation to enhance the science return from LISA and other missions.

Work duties

The main duties involved in this post-doctoral posistion are to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours.

The employee will work on developing global fit algorithms for use in the LISA data processing. This will involve adapting existing simulation software to test and develop new algorithms and to investigate how to incorporate multi-messenger data into the LISA processing.  Experience and a strong interest in the LISA global fit algorithms would be a strong advantage.

The employee is expected to promote the research results via publication of scientific papers, give talks at international conferences and by visiting other research institutes and giving seminars. This will mean some travel and there is a budget available for this but the employee is also expected to apply for travel funds from external bodies, such as learned societies and research councils.

The employee is expected to contribute to the group’s daily scientific life and participate in meetings with collaborators in Lund and elsewhere where we share research results and have scientific discussions.

Work duties will include:

• Modelling gravitational waves.
• Conducting studies of different solution methods for LISA.
• Investigation of how multi-messenger data from other projects can be used to enhance the LISA solutions.
• Development of simulation software for use in the LISA mission.
• Collaboration and participation within the research group.

The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the field, completed no more than three years before the date of employment. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

When hiring a postdoctoral fellow, the following must form the basis for assessment:

• The employee must have a doctoral degree broadly related to gravitational wave physics and galactic dynamics together with a strong interest in numerical simulations and solution methods.
• Good ability to carry out high-quality research.
• The employee should be specialized in theory and modelling.
• Very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills or potential for teaching.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Experience of gravitational wave modelling.
• Knowledge of gravitational wave physics and the LISA mission.
• Knowledge of python and other programming languages is a strong advantage.
• Experience of handling large data sets within international collaborations.
• It is advantageous to have good knowledge of statistics and its applications in the field.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 3 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• a résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages) specifically outlining how you can contribute to this field,
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered. 

Welcome to apply!