The Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity Department, led by Alessandra Buonanno, at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) in Potsdam, in collaboration with the Lichtenberg Group for History and Philosophy of Physics at the University of Bonn, led by Dennis Lehmkuhl, and the Department I and Max Planck Research Group “Final Theory Program” at the Max Planck Institute for History of Science, led by Jürgen Renn and Alexander Blum, respectively, is seeking a PhD student. The position will start in the fall of 2023, and it is fully supported by the 2021 Balzan Prize Funds for three years with the possibility of extension for a fourth year.
We invite applications of prospective PhD students who wish to pursue a PhD in a topic incorporating physics, history and philosophy of physics research; in particular, on the history and conceptual analysis of solving the two-body problem in General Relativity, especially as it unfolded from 1975 onwards. Important questions should concern the development of analytical and numerical methods in General Relativity, as well as, their synergy and impact on the discovery of gravitational waves from merging black holes in 2015.
The position will provide an outstanding early-career scholar with a unique opportunity to pursue research in collaboration with physicists, historians and philosophers of physics at Potsdam, Berlin and Bonn. The position will be based at the Max Planck Institute of Gravitational Physics in Potsdam, and it will include extended periods of time at the affiliated institutions in Berlin and Bonn. We invite applications especially from candidates with a suitable background in physics, philosophy of physics and/or history of physics. For more details about the groups involved see the websites of the Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity Department, the Lichtenberg Group for History and Philosophy of Physics at the University of Bonn, and the Max Planck Research Group “Final Theory Program” of the Max Planck Institute for History of Science.
The PhD student will have the opportunity to fully participate in the research life of the Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity Department in Potsdam, the Lichtenberg group and the Institute of Philosophy at the University of Bonn, and the Max Planck Institute for History of Science in Berlin, conducting research leading to peer reviewed publications, attending and presenting talks at conferences, and participating in outreach activities.
PhD candidate qualifications:
- An undergraduate degree in physics or mathematics, and a Master degree in physics, philosophy of physics, or history of physics.
- Native speaker or near-native command of the English language.
- Motivated, flexible, team oriented and interested in continued professional development.
Offer:
- A vibrant research environment with access to a world-class research facilities and cutting-edge research projects.
- A structured English-language graduate program.
- Fully funded positions (more details are available here), no tuition fees, and additional funding for conferences and professional development.
- Individual supervision and mentoring by research scientists who are leaders in their respective fields.
- An excellent working environment with various on-campus support (computing facilities, PhD representatives, language courses, residence permit and visa support, children’s day care, etc.).
Application Process:
In order to apply, please fill in this form: https://jobs.aei.mpg.de/121/phd-position-in-history-and-philosophy-of-the-2-body-problem-in-general-relativity/apply
You will be asked to upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, university transcripts and the Master thesis or (if not yet available) a three-page account of what the planned Master thesis will consist in, and a list of publications (if available). Applicants also need to indicate the names of three referees for recommendation letters. Referees will be notified by email on how to upload their letters.
Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline for full consideration is January 31st, 2023. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
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, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, socio-economic background, or disability. The AEI and the Max Planck Society welcome persons with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity (Code of Conduct).
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.
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