The call was closed on 21 September 2018

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Ph.D. studenthips in fundamentals of cosmology

Szczecin Cosmology Group at the Institute of Physics of the University of Szczecin invites applications for 2 Ph.D. studentships in fundamentals of cosmology which can also be verified by the observational data. The studies will begin on the 1st October 2018 and last for 4 years. The positions are funded by the Polish National Center for Research and Development through the University of Szczecin. The stipend will be 4000 PLN a month throughout the period of studies. Excellent students can award an additional stipend of at least PLN 1000 from the Rector of the University of Szczecin. There is a possibility for a cheaper university supported accommodation, travel fund is available. The city of Szczecin is located near to polish border with Germany – 130 km away from Berlin with good access to international airports.

The research will deal with broad area of the particle physics and cosmology with the emphasis onto the alternative gravity theories and especially theories with variable physical constants, the multiverse models, quantum aspects of black holes, particle physics aspects of cosmology, cosmological singularities. Observational testing of some of these models will be the key issue of the project.

According to the project conditions, the positions will be held in collaboration with partners from Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany (prof. Marek Kowalski) and from University of Oslo, Norway (prof. David F. Mota).

The deadline for applications is 15th September, 2018. Applications should include CV, list of publications, a brief statement of research interests, a copy of graduate studies diploma (M.Sc.) and a copy of the thesis. Candidates should arrange for at least 1 confidential letter of recommendation. Applications and recommendations should be sent by email to prof. M.P. Dąbrowski (Mariusz.Dabrowski@usz.edu.pl) or to Dr. Vincenzo Salzano (Vincenzo.Salzano@usz.edu.pl). The shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview (in person or by teleconference) which will take place on the 20th of September at the latest. The final list of successful candidates will be announced on the 21st of September 2018.

The PhD projects should be focused on one of the following topics:

1) Observational and experimental consequences of the variability of physical constants. In particular, variability of speed of light and related Lorentz and CPT symmetry violation.

2) Observational verification of alternative gravities cosmological models as models of dark energy or dark matter.

3) The multiverse models. Designing possible observational tests to check for the multiverse hypothesis (e.g. related to quantum entanglement and wormhole connections).

4) Quantum aspects of black holes. Black hole information loss paradox, entanglement, thermodynamics. Relation to quantum computing.

5) The structure of exotic singularities (e.g. big-rip, sudden future singularities) in cosmology. Transition through singularities. Non-standard geometry of cosmological models.