We are advertising multiple PhD positions in a friendly, motivated team who share a passion in the development of high-precision measurement technologies towards the detection of gravitational waves and related fields. This is an opportunity for domestic students to work in a world class University that undertakes cutting edge research in a diverse range of areas in gravitational wave instrumentation and Space technology.

The Centre for Gravitational Astrophysics (CGA) of The Australian National University (ANU) brings together all aspects of gravitational wave research including instrumentation for gravitational wave detection, theory and data analysis, electromagnetic follow up, space technology, and applied metrology. The Centre has a leading role in gravitational wave science and technology in Australia and has a track record of translating its expertise into industrial high-precision measurement applications. The CGA has been the Australia’s leading institution in instrumentation for gravitational wave science and technology.

Benefits:

• Annual tax-free stipend of $38,154 (2025 rate)

• Annual tax-free supplementary scholarship of $5,000

• Relocation and start-up allowance of up to $4000

• Generous travel allowance

• Optional paid Teaching Assistance opportunity

• Membership of prestigious national and international scientific collaborations

• No tuition fees

We invite passionate Physics, Engineering and Astrophysics students who have completed an equivalent of an Australian Honours degree with First Class Honours or a Masters degree, who are Australian citizens or permanent residents or New Zealand citizens to apply for our PhD positions. Research experience in optics, interferometry, machine learning, FPGA and related projects are desirable but not essential.

Projects on offer: 

• Machine Learning in LIGO Calibration

This project offers a unique chance to develop groundbreaking machine learning and AI technologies for the real-time calibration of gravitational wave detectors, aiming to produce highly reliable observational data crucial for astrophysical discoveries. The student will gain a solid foundation in gravitational wave instrumentation and astrophysics, and will have the opportunity to design and implement novel AI-driven calibration techniques that could directly enhance the accuracy of gravitational wave measurements.

In addition to technical development, the student will have the opportunity to visit the Laser Interferometry Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), collaborating with world-leading scientists and experiencing first-hand the operation of a pioneering scientific instrument. With significant progress, the new techniques developed could be incorporated into LIGO’s data pipeline in upcoming observational runs, providing a tangible contribution to gravitational wave science. This project offers an exceptional blend of theoretical, technical, and collaborative experiences, preparing the student for a future at the intersection of astrophysics, data science, and experimental physics.

• Optical sensors using advanced modulation techniques

This project offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of optical sensing and digital signal processing. The student will develop and apply cutting-edge techniques to reconstruct the phase of optical interference, enabling precise measurements of displacement, strain and vibration. Through this work, the student will gain a strong foundation in optical interferometry and its role in creating advanced displacement sensors.

The project can be tailored to emphasize either theoretical research or engineering development. Students interested in design and prototyping can focus on building digital signal processing tools using FPGA technology. Those with sufficient progress will have the chance to deploy prototype sensors to gravitational wave test facilities for field testing. This hands-on experience in building, testing, and potentially deploying sensors will prepare the student for both academic and industry roles in advanced sensor technologies.

• Optical Interferometry for Precision Force Sensing

This project offers an exciting opportunity to pioneer new techniques in force sensing by combining optical interferometry with a precision-engineered mechanical torsion pendulum. The aim is to detect and reconstruct subtle forces on the pendulum resulting from environmental density changes, seismic activity, or even the elusive interactions of potential dark matter particles. By optimizing torsion designs and refining signal analysis methods, the project will push the boundaries of sensitivity in force measurement.

Students will gain expertise in opto-mechanical systems, learning advanced control and feedback techniques for optical systems. In addition, they will develop skills in high-precision instrumentation and signal processing, crucial for applications in experimental physics and engineering.

With successful progress, this project could lead to the first-ever measurements of environmental density variations, with the long-term potential of advancing the search for dark matter. This work provides a unique chance to contribute to fundamental physics and technological innovation, with the possibility of achieving groundbreaking results in both fields.

• Coating design for Next-Generation Gravitational Wave Detectors

Gravitational wave detectors have reached the thermal noise limit of optical coatings, prompting the search for novel materials and technologies to improve sensitivity. One promising approach involves using cryogenically cooled silicon mirrors and 2µm wavelength lasers. This project aims to design a tracking system to measure the differential phase noise between two 2µm lasers, requiring techniques to break the orthogonality of two spatial modes while minimizing light loss. The measurement will span frequencies from tens of MHz to several GHz, depending on the laser noise characteristics.

As a PhD student, you will develop high-bandwidth phase tracking techniques, implementing them in programmable digital hardware using FPGAs. This project provides an opportunity to work at the cutting edge of gravitational wave detection, combining advanced optical measurement techniques with digital signal processing to enable the next generation of detectors. You’ll contribute to a vital area of research with potential to significantly enhance the sensitivity of future gravitational wave observatories.

• Quantum State Control for Next-Generation Gravitational Wave Sensors

This project focuses on the precise control and manipulation of light's quantum state to create "squeezed states" for use in quantum-limited sensors, such as those in gravitational wave detection. The process requires a careful balance of design considerations, optical loss reduction, signal extraction, and detection, all to maximise the interaction between the quantum field and optical interferometers.

As part of this project, the student will master key principles in quantum optics, optical interferometry, and low-noise optical detection techniques with RF electronics and advanced signal processing. They will have the chance to design and test new concepts, analyse their performance, and assess their potential for future quantum-limited sensors.

In addition, the student will have the unique opportunity to visit the Laser Interferometry Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in the US, collaborate with leading scientists, and gain hands-on experience with one of the most advanced scientific instruments in the field. This project offers a pathway to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in quantum sensing technology for fundamental physics.

• Inter-Satellite Laser Links for Earth Monitoring and Space Science

This project offers a unique opportunity to work on the rapidly advancing technology of inter-satellite laser links, with applications in Earth observation, telecommunications, security, and beyond. Inter-satellite laser ranging is essential for high-precision measurements in geodesy and gravity recovery, enabling vital climate and water monitoring on Earth. This technology is also foundational for missions in planetary science, such as NASA’s GRAIL mission to study the Moon, and will play a key role in detecting cosmic events like supermassive black hole mergers in missions such as LISA.

The student will engage in developing and integrating physics and engineering principles required to establish and maintain laser links between satellites. This hands-on project will cover advanced optical alignment, stabilisation techniques, and signal processing, with opportunities to optimise designs for specific space missions.

With potential visits to collaborate with NASA and European space agencies, this project offers the chance to work with leading scientists and engineers in the field, contributing directly to real-world applications in space science and global environmental monitoring. This experience will equip the student with cutting-edge skills at the intersection of space technology and fundamental physics.

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To check your eligibility and for more information about how to apply please visit this page. For more information on ANU PhD program please click here and here.

We recommend the applicants to send their CV and most recent academic transcript to A/Prof. Bram Slagmolen via bram.slagmolen@anu.edu.au and CGA administrator Dr Sareh Rajabi via sareh.rajabi@anu.edu.au before submitting their application.

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