Detection of gravitational wave - Senior at Zhongshan U.

The gravitational wave is one of the fundamental predictions of general relativity, nevertheless, its existence still lacks direct proof. Sun Yat-San University (SYSU, Guangzhou, China) has a fine tradition on gravitational physics. Its gravitational physics lab built one of the most sensitive normal-temperature resonant gravitational wave antenna in the world in 1970s. At present, SYSU is establishing a team aiming at the direct detection of the gravitational wave. This experimental plan has been named as “TianQin” (Sky harp). According this plan, there are mainly four successive stages to be proceeded:

    (1). Build up the moon/satellite laser ranging system and other ground auxiliary facilities such as large laser gyroscope;
    (2). Testify the reliability of experimental facilities and related techniques, such as drag-free controlling, spaceborne laser interferometer, as well as the test of equivalent principle.
    (3). Testify key techniques such as high-precision inertial sensing and intersatellite laser ranging, and measure global gravitational field.
    (4). Finish the construction of all the devices and techniques needed for gravitational wave probing, and launch three high-orbit earth satellites for gravitational wave probing.

The ground research infrastructures of TianQin (Sky harp) will be built in the Zhuhai Campus of SYSU. The infrastructure construction of the ground facilities for laser ranging and the in-cave extra-static lab have been started. Furthermore, some studies of the key techniques have been in progress.

The implementation of TianQin (Sky harp) will give us an opportunity to detect the gravitational wave directly, its importance is self-evident. Furthermore, TianQin (Sky harp) will certainly make SYSU a vital part in the fields of gravitational wave probing and spacial precise measurement around the world. It will also become the base for future experiment of spacial precise measurement. Thus, it is fair to say that TianQin (Sky harp) and SYSU can provide an ideal platform for people who want to contribute themselves into this fields. Now, the School of Astronomy and Space Science at SYSU, invites applications for faculty positions at all levels to join into TianQin (Sky harp), including Principal Investigator, Senior, Junior, Postdoc and PhD Student. Candidates should have strong expertise (or interesting, as a PhD Student) in one of the following fields:

    (1). Gravitational theories: general relativity, gravitational theories, cosmology, etc.
    (2). Spacial gravitational experiments: lunar laser ranging, gravitational wave probing, drag-free controlling, system simulation and data analysis.
    (3). Precision measurement technology: high-precision laser interferometer measurement, design and analysis of precise optical instruments, low-noise electric technologies, etc.

Especially, on the fields of intersatellite laser ranging, drag-free controlling, lunar laser ranging, system simulation and analysis, as well as micro propulsion of satellite, Principal Investigator is in urgent need. The salary for Principal Investigator ranges from ¥500,000/year to ¥1000,000/year (about 80,500/yearto161,000/year, with current rate 6.21). Salaries for other positions can be discussed individually.

The applicants are kindly requested to provide:

    (1). Curriculum vitae;
    (2). Publication list;
    (3). Two recommendation letters, one letter must be from PhD advisor or colleague of the current institute.

Interviews for qualified candidates will be arranged according to the time order we recieve their applications. Applications will be always considered until all the positions are filled.