PhD Positions in Gravitational Physics: Gravity at the Extreme – from Theory to Observation Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute) in Germany

The Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute, AEI) in Potsdam, Germany, is offering several fully funded PhD positions within the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) “Gravity at the Extreme: from Theory to Observation.” This program is designed for creative, proactive, and motivated candidates eager to work in a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment. Successful applicants will join one of the AEI’s scientific departments in Potsdam: either the Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity (ACR) or the Computational Relativistic Astrophysics (CRA) department. The IMPRS is a collaboration between the AEI (Potsdam and Hannover), the University of Potsdam, Humboldt University in Berlin, and Leibniz University in Hannover, with additional international partners such as the University of Maryland and Kyoto University’s Yukawa Institute for Theoretical Physics. Graduate students benefit from a broad research network and opportunities to participate in major collaborations like LIGO, LISA, and the Einstein Telescope. Research topics span gravitational-wave astronomy, high-energy astrophysics, and fundamental physics, including analytical modeling of gravitational dynamics, numerical relativity, data analysis from gravitational-wave detectors (LIGO, Virgo, KAGRA), development of data pipelines for future detectors (LISA, Einstein Telescope), machine learning for gravitational-wave inference, cosmography, tests of gravity, neutron star mergers, electromagnetic counterparts, nucleosynthesis, stellar collapse, and gamma-ray bursts. The AEI provides access to high-performance computing clusters and a supportive research environment. The PhD program lasts three to four years, with students enrolling at either the University of Potsdam or Humboldt University in Berlin. The program is conducted in English and offers a structured curriculum, individual supervision, and mentoring by leading scientists. Additional support includes computing facilities, language courses, visa assistance, and family services. Applicants must have a Master’s degree by the program start and submit a cover letter, CV, transcripts, research statement, publication list, and Master’s thesis (if applicable), along with three referee contacts. The deadline for full consideration is December 19, 2025. The AEI is committed to diversity, equal opportunity, and a healthy work-life balance.