Attention: Ms. Karen L. Brewster, Administrative Assistant
Research at the Center will focus on interdisciplinary problems at the interface of astrophysics, general relativity, gravitational waves and detector design:
Astrophysics and gravitational waves includes, but is not limited to,
problems of source calculations, astrophysical modeling of sources and
their populations, and interpretation of observations;
General relativity and gravitational waves includes, but is not
limited to, testing relativity and developing numerical and analytic
tools needed for detailed studies of sources (e.g., numerical relativity
and radiation reaction);
Detector design studies will focus particularly on how target science
- the sources one wants to detect or the science one wants to do -
constructively influences the design of advanced gravitational wave
detectors.
The core, resident faculty of the Center for Gravitational Wave Physics are Abhay Ashtekar, Sam Finn, Pablo Laguna, Peter Meszaros, Steinn Sigurdsson and Alex Wolszczan, all of whom lead strong research programs in the critical areas from which gravitational wave phenomenology will grow.
In addition, the Center for Gravitational Wave Physics non-resident faculty members, who are expected to visit frequently, are Warren Anderson, Patrick Brady, Matt Choptuik, Mario Diaz, Eanna Flanagan, Gabriela Gonzalez, Richard Price, Jorge Pullin, Joe Romano, Robin Stebbins, Ken Strain, and Joel Tohline. The Center for Gravitational Wave Physics will have a major international visitor program and host frequent workshops focused on critical gravitational wave phenomenology problems.
Other leading research areas in the astrophysics and gravitational physics program at Penn State include the theory of gamma-ray bursts, relativistic astrophysics, radio astronomy, quantum gravity, and mathematical general relativity. The Penn State Physics and Astronomy and Astrophysics departments have world-class expertise in several related areas: astro-particle physics (Pierre Auger Observatory), gamma ray bursts (SWIFT and theory), X-ray astronomy (Chandra observatory) and cosmology (HET and theory).
Applications should include a curriculum vitae, statement of research interests, list of publications and at least three reference letters. Please send applications to Administrative Assistant
Applications will be considered beginning 1 November and until the positions are filled.
Penn State is committed to the diversity of its work force. AAE/EOE.