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GAnG - Dr Katy Clough

Numerical study of non linearities in general relativity and beyond

Supervisor: Dr Katy Clough

Project description:

The student will develop and use numerical relativity simulations to investigate fundamental physics in strong gravity regimes. The goal is to understand the behaviour of non linearities around black holes (both in GR and beyond Einstein effective field theories) and how they might be observed from gravitational wave data, as part of a recently awarded Simons Collaboration grant with a network of international researchers (link to the Simons grant collaboration). As part of the grant there will be opportunities to undertake extended visits to collaborators in Europe, the US and Canada, and attend collaboration meetings.

The student will use HPC (High Performance Computing) resources to solve the coupled non-linear partial differential equations of general relativity, using the numerical relativity codes developed by the GRTL Collaboration (www.grtlcollaboration.org). Whilst C++ coding and use of HPC will be a key part of any projects, potential students will not be required to have prior experience in these fields. Enthusiasm, resilience, and a willingness to learn will be considered the most important attributes. I particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups in theoretical physics.

For more info on Simons grant collaboration: https://www.simonsfoundation.org/2025/08/11/new-simons-collaboration-explores-black-holes-and-strong-gravity/?swcfpc=1

Funding notes

  1. Funded by Simons Foundation => 3.5 years stipend and Home tuition fees. The studentship focuses on students with Home tuition fees status.
  2. Stipend: Annual tax-free salary (e.g. £21,237 for 2024-2025 academic year; TBC for 2025-2026).
  3. Application deadline is 1 Sep 2025, but further applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
  4. Expected start date in Autumn 2025 (with flexibility to start in January 2026).

If you wish to inquire about the project, please contact the supervisor Dr Katy Clough (k.clough@qmul.ac.uk).

Further information:
How to apply 
Entry requirements 
Fees and funding

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