Postdoctoral position “Newtonian noise cancellation through machine learning: bridging the gap between geophysics and gravitational Waves”
START DATE: BETWEEN 1ST NOV. 2024 AND 1ST JAN. 2025
The University of Liège was founded in 1817 and is the largest French-speaking university in Belgium. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences and support gender equality and diversity which we consider as a strength and an asset.
The postdoctoral researcher will focus on machine-learning-based Newtonian Noise subtraction for the Einstein Telescope, including the development, implementation, and experimental tests of the method on the E-TEST prototype developed in Liège. Your task will be to model Newtonian noise by coupling existing models in elastodynamics (e.g. SALVUS) with gravity computation from the seismic acceleration to be able to cancel it from gravitational waves signals. A significant part of your work will involve demonstrating that a machine learning model, possibly a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) or a Variational Autoencoder (VAE), can accurately predict a test mass motion caused by a controlled artificial noise (moving/vibrating mass).
JOB DESCRIPTION
We are looking for a motivated researcher who can work with multiple research teams at ULiège. This person will be responsible for carrying out numerical computation of Newtonian noise, develop its subtraction for a controlled artificial noise and lay out the foundations for real-world developments which will include realistic geophysical profiles to account for the variations of the elastic parameters in space.
YOUR PROFILE
Required qualifications:
* MASTER'S DEGREE IN ENGINEERING or PHYSICS
* EXCELLENT WRITTEN AND VERBAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN ENGLISH
* COMPUTATIONAL (GEO)PHYSICS AND MACHINE LEARNING METHODS
* TEAM SPIRIT
* AUTONOMOUS
* ORGANISATIONAL SKILLS
* FAST LEARNER
Note that the candidate must not have spent more than 24 months as a resident of Belgium over the last 3 years.
EMPLOYMENT TERMS
* Type of contract: postdoctoral researcher
* Working time: Full time
* Length of contract: 18 months (with a possibility to reconduct)
* Start date: between 1st Nov. 2024 and 1st Jan. 2025
HOW TO APPLY
Applications (cover letter, a report on past research and detailed CV with full publication list) should be sent to Professors Maxime Fays, Frédéric Nguyen and Christophe Collette at the following address: maxime.fays@uliege.be, christophe.collette@uliege.be, f.nguyen@uliege.be
In the CV, please include the names and contacts of at least two people who can be contacted to provide letters of reference.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
Selected candidates will be invited to an interview in English at the University of Liège or online via Teams or Zoom.
Our institutional policy is based on diversity and equal opportunities. We select candidates based on their qualities, regardless of their age, sexual orientation, origin, beliefs, disability or nationality.
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