"Postdoctoral Research, Multimessenger Astrophysics"

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

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