Matthias Schott

The IFAE Theory Division in Barcelona is seeking one to two PhD researchers to work on the theoretical development of searches for high-frequency gravitational waves in cavities and other laboratory devices. The project is part of GravNet , an ERC-funded network dedicated to optimizing the search for high-frequency gravitational waves using electromagnetic cavities and alternative experimental set-ups. The PhD researchers will contribute to the theoretical backbone of the initiative, with work spanning source characterization, detector response modelling, sensitivity estimation, and studies of how different network configurations can improve detection prospects. The successful candidates will join the GravNet-IFAE group and become part of the broader Beyond the Standard Model and Astroparticle Physics and Cosmology groups at IFAE. The group brings together researchers working on fundamental physics, and the project sits at the interface of gravitational-wave theory, detector modelling, and advanced sensing concepts. The advertised research emphasizes developing and optimizing theoretical tools for a future detector network, including realistic simulations of how detectors respond to signals from different sources and exploring alternative detection strategies.