Program Description

Description: The Laboratoire d’Annecy de Physique Théorique (LAPTh, CNRS/USMB) invites applications for one PhD position focused on searches for dark matter and other beyond-standard-model particles like axion-like particles in the radio domain, through Galactic and extra-galactic observations. The student is expected to work at the interface between particle physics and radio astronomy, and leverage the latest observational results of MeerKAT and other radio telescopes to investigate signals of various particle dark matter candidates. 

Qualifications: Applicants must have: a Master of Science (or equivalent title) in astrophysics or fundamental physics (completed by the starting date). We seek candidates with a strong background in particle physics and knowledge of astrophysics. Students with a strong curriculum in astrophysics will also be considered. Basics programming skills are required. 

Research Environment and Supervision: The Phd student will be a member of the Astroparticle and Cosmology group at LAPTh, and will be supervised by Dr. Francesca Calore, with strong collaboration with Dr. P. D. Serpico. The project is funded by a Joint PhD program between CNRS and the University of Witwatersrand (South Africa, Prof. Geoff Beck), and it is fully aligned with the two partners’ strategic focus on astroparticle physics, dark matter phenomenology, and multi-wavelength indirect detection. Collaboration and visits to the other partner university is expected during the PhD period. 
The position will provide access to CNRS/LAPTh computing resources, travel support, and a vibrant research environment involving several PhD students and postdocs, and strong regional and international connections, with collaborations with the University of Geneva and CERN. 

Terms of Employment : The appointment is expected to be for three years. The anticipated start date is 1 October 2026, with some flexibility possible.

Application Procedure: Interested candidates are invited to submit an application in English via AcademicJobsOnline and include: (i) a motivation letter; (ii) a CV; (iii) Transcripts of bachelor and master studies; (iv) Master thesis (if completed it); and (v) at least one letter of recommendation to be submitted directly through AcademicJobsOnline by the referees. Applications received before the 25^th of April 2026 will be given full priority. Nevertheless, the positions will be open until filled. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a remote interview in May 2026.

About LAPTh (https://www.lapth.cnrs.fr): LAPTh is a joint research unit (UMR) of CNRS and Université Savoie Mont Blanc (USMB). Its scientific activities span cosmology and astroparticle physics, particle physics, and mathematical physics. The Astroparticle and Cosmology group (https://astrocosmolapth.com) conducts research on cosmic large-scale structure, cosmic microwave and infrared backgrounds, cross-correlations between cosmological datasets, early-Universe physics, cosmic rays and dark matter, gamma-ray astrophysics, and neutrino probes.

Contact: For informal inquiries contact Dr. Francesca Calore: (francesca.calore@lapth.cnrs.fr ).