Postdoctoral Research, Multimessenger Astrophysics

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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. 2–3-page research statement
4. The applicant should also arrange for 3 letters of recommendation to be sent directly to Dr. Caitlin Witt at wittc@wfu.edu

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 5,400 undergraduates and 3,500 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 AskHR@wfu.edu or (336) 758-4700.