Postdoctoral Research, Multimessenger Astrophysics
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Job Location:
Winston Salem, NC - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
17 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
External Applicants:
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Job Description Summary
The Wake Forest Department of Physics invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in multimessenger astrophysics. The successful applicant will work with Professor Caitlin Witt on projects related to pulsar timing arrays and electromagnetic searches for supermassive black hole binaries. The postdoctoral scholar will have the opportunity to work on developing new methods to detect gravitational waves with pulsar timing data play a substantial role in searching upcoming cutting-edge pulsar timing array datasets for gravitational wave signals and develop methods for analysis of optical time-domain surveys. The scholar will also have the opportunity to mentor students in the group. Expertise with gravitational wave or electromagnetic survey data analysis in any frequency band is desired but not required.Candidates are required to have a Ph.D. in Physics or Astronomy/Astrophysics or a related field before the date of hire expected in fall 2026. The position is for two years with a third-year extension possible depending on performance and available funding. Applications received before January 15 2026 will receive full consideration and review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Application Instructions:
To apply please submit:
1. A cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae (CV)
3. 23-page research statement
4. The applicant should also arrange for 3 letters of recommendation to be sent directly to Dr. Caitlin Witt at
* This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.
Job Description
Essential Functions:
- Will work with the Professor on projects related to pulsar timing arrays and electromagnetic searches for supermassive black hole binaries.
- The postdoctoral scholar will have the opportunity to work on developing new methods to detect gravitational waves with pulsar timing data and play a substantial role in searching upcoming cutting-edge pulsar timing array datasets for gravitational wave signals and develop methods for analysis of optical time-domain surveys.
- The scholar will also have an opportunity to mentor students in the group.
Required Education Knowledge Skills Abilities:
- Ph.D. in Physics Astronomy/Astrophysics or a related field
- Strong background in astronomical data analysis
- Proficiency with Bayesian Statistics
- Strong publication record in relevant venues
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
Preferred Education Knowledge Skills Abilities:
- Experience in multimessenger astronomy nanohertz gravitational wave analysis with pulsar timing arrays or supermassive black hole binary searches in electromagnetic surveys.
- Interest in interdisciplinary research and real-world impact
Accountabilities:
- Responsible for own work.
Physical Requirements:
- Sedentary work primarily involves sitting/standing communicating with others to exchange information; repeating motions that may include the wrists hands and/or fingers: and assessing the accuracy neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
Environmental Conditions:
- No environmental conditions.
Wake Forest University
Founded in 1834 Wake Forest University is a private coeducational institution dedicated to academic excellence in liberal arts graduate and professional education. With over 5400 undergraduates and 3500 graduate and professional students the student-faculty ratio is 11:1. Wake Forest is a collegiate university offering a vibrant intellectual community with a rich cultural life an impressive array of facilities and a strong athletics program competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Since its founding the University has adopted the motto Pro Humanitate which is exemplified by a deep institutional commitment to public service and engagement with the world. Wake Forest University is in Winston-Salem a beautiful mid-sized city centrally located in the Piedmont-Triad region of North Carolina. A family-friendly city with high-quality schools a wide selection of restaurants and shops outdoor recreational activities and numerous special events it is known for its vibrant and thriving arts and innovative scenes. Residents enjoy proximity to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains (1.5 hours) and Atlantic beaches (4 hours) a moderate climate with four distinct seasons and a very reasonable cost of living. Winston-Salem offers many of the amenities of a large city but with the sense of community and quality of life of a small town.
Additional Job Description
Time Type Requirement
Full timeNote to Applicant:
This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.
In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race color religion national origin sex age sexual orientation gender identity and expression genetic information disability and military or veteran status.
Accommodations for Applicants
If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please contact or .
Key Skills
- Virology
- Bioinformatics
- Genetics
- R
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Research Experience
- Spectroscopy
- Cell Culture
- Molecular Biology
- Microscopy
- Research Laboratory Experience
About Company
Founded in 1834, Wake Forest University is a private university located in Winston-Salem, N.C. We are a vibrant and diverse academic community where our students study in one or more of the 45 majors and programs we offer within our seven colleges and schools.
