Research Expert in gravitational wave simulation & data analysis for LISA

Recent discoveries of gravitational waves from merging black holes and neutron stars by the LIGO and Virgo observatories have marked the beginning of an exciting new era in our observations of the universe. Researchers are working to expand and scientifically exploit this novel window onto the universe.
This requires an entirely new generation of gravitational wave (GW) observatories. In space, the European Space Agency’s Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission is scheduled for launch in the 2030s to open the long-wavelength GW band. Building on the LISA Pathfinder mission, LISA is based on laser interferometry between free flying test masses inside three drag-free spacecraft. At KU Leuven we coordinate the Belgian contributions to the LISA mission development, from instrumentation to the data-analysis architecture.

A core team for preparing the scientific observations of the LISA mission is currently being installed at KU Leuven. As our new research expert, you will be closely involved with the preparation of the LISA simulator, which will be the principal solution for testing LISA data reduction pipelines and for the end-to-end validation of the LISA mission.
Your role will be an essential part of the new Gravitational Wave Initiative of the Department of Physics and Astronomy and of the Science, Engineering and Technology Group at KU Leuven, which brings together staff members and researchers from different research divisions around gravitational wave physics and engineering. The overarching goal of this Initiative is to strengthen KU Leuven contributions to two international flagship missions in the field of gravitational waves: the Einstein Telescope underground and LISA in space.

Research divisions at the Department of Physics and Astronomy heavily involved in this Initiative include the Institute of Astronomy, the Institute for Theoretical Physics, and the Laboratory for Semiconductor Physics, each of which are young and vibrant research groups comprising several dozens of scientists, engineers, and administrative staff.

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For more information please contact Prof. dr. Thomas Hertog, tel.: +32 16 32 72 46, mail: thomas.hertog@kuleuven.be or Dr. Jonathan Menu, tel.: +32 16 32 07 94, mail: jonathan.menu@kuleuven.be.
KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.