PŘF - Postdoctoral Researcher in Cosmology, Modified Gravity and Gravitational Physics

University of Hradec Králové, Faculty of Science, Department of Physics

Location: Hradec Králové, Czech Republic

Duration: 3 years

Expected start date: January 2027

Position: Full-time, on-site

Gross monthly salary: 46 000 CZK plus bonuses

Application deadline: October 2, 2026

About the position:

The Department of Physics at the Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Králové, invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Researcher position in theoretical cosmology, modified gravity and gravitational physics.

The successful candidate will work under the joint scientific supervision of Professors Jan Kříž, Filip Studnička and Bekir Can Lütfüoglu.

The position offers an opportunity to conduct independent and collaborative research and to contribute actively to the development of theoretical physics, cosmology and gravitation at the Department of Physics.

Research focus:

The research program will focus on fundamental and phenomenological aspects of cosmology and theories of gravity.

Possible research directions include:

• modified theories of gravity;
• black holes and compact objects;
• gravitational waves;
• dark matter models;
• strong-field tests of general relativity;
• black-hole perturbations and quasinormal modes;
• gravitational lensing;
• observational signatures of physics beyond general relativity.

An important strategic objective of the position is to establish a sustainable line of cooperation between UHK and leading European groups and networks in cosmology and gravitational-wave physics.

Depending on mutual scientific interests and appropriate institutional arrangements, prospective links may include the European Gravitational Observatory and the Virgo Collaboration, the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute), the Einstein Telescope scientific community, the STRONG Group at the Niels Bohr International Academy in Copenhagen, and the international scientific network developed through the CosmoVerse COST Action CA21136 and related European initiatives.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• conduct independent and collaborative research within the scientific scope of the position;
• publish research results in leading international journals;
• present their work at conferences and seminars;
• contribute actively to the scientific life of the Department of Physics;
• participate, where appropriate, in the supervision of students;
• contribute to the organization of seminars and workshops;
• participate in the preparation of research proposals;
• contribute to the development of international scientific partnerships.

Candidate profile:

We are looking for a researcher with a PhD in physics, astronomy, applied mathematics or a closely related discipline, completed before the starting date.

Essential qualifications:

The candidate should have:

• strong expertise in cosmology, general relativity, modified gravity, gravitational physics or relativistic astrophysics;
• experience with analytical and/or numerical research methods relevant to the proposed program;
• a competitive publication records appropriate to the applicant’s career stage;
• the ability to develop independent research and work effectively in international collaborations;
• good written and spoken English.

Knowledge of Czech is not required.

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be an advantage:

• gravitational-wave modelling;
• numerical relativity;
• cosmological data analysis;
• scientific computing.

Expected long-term contribution to UHK:

The position is expected to:

• strengthen and broaden research in theoretical physics, cosmology and gravitation within the Department of Physics;
• establish connections between theoretical modelling, gravitational-wave observations and modern astrophysical and cosmological data;
• increase the international visibility and scientific publication output of UHK;
• create opportunities for joint publications, research visits, workshops and student exchanges with leading international institutions;
• improve the Department’s competitiveness for future Czech and European research funding, including collaborative projects, COST activities, Horizon Europe and Marie Skłodowska-Curie proposals;
• support the development of a sustainable research group capable of attracting graduate students, visiting researchers and additional externally funded positions;
• contribute to the longer-term development of advanced courses and student projects in gravitation, cosmology, astrophysics and computational physics.

We offer:

• a three-year full-time postdoctoral position starting on 1 January 2027;
• a stimulating and internationally oriented research environment within the Faculty of Science;
• opportunities to develop an independent research program and international collaborations;
• access to the University’s research and computational infrastructure;
• support for participation in conferences, workshops and research visits, subject to available funding;
• salary and employment conditions in accordance with the regulations of the University of Hradec Králové.

Application:

Applicants should submit:

• documents listed in Article VII, paragraph 2, items a) to e) of the Vice-Rector’s Directive No. 13/2026
• documents listed in Article 3, paragraph 6 of the Dean’s Decision No. 09/2026.

Applications should be sent by e-mail to: katerina.rybakova@uhk.cz.

Application deadline: October 2, 2026.

Selected candidates will be invited for an interview.

For informal enquiries about the scientific scope of the position, please contact: bekir.lutfuoglu@uhk.cz.