Postdoctoral Research, Multimessenger Astrophysics at Wake Forest University

External Applicants: Please ensure all required documents are ready to upload before beginning your application including your resume cover letter and any additional materials specified in the job description.Cover Letter and Supporting Documents:Navigate to the My Experience application page.Locate the Resume/CV document upload section at the bottom of the page.Use the Select Files button to upload your cover letter resume and any other required supporting documents. You can select multiple files.Important Note: The My Experience page is the only opportunity to attach your cover letter resume and supporting documents. You will not be able to modify your application or add attachments after submission.Current Employees:Apply from your existing Workday account in the Jobs Hub. Do not apply from this website.A cover letter is required for all positions; optional for facilities campus services and hospitality roles unless otherwise specified.Job Description SummaryThe 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 statement4. 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 DescriptionEssential 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 fieldStrong background in astronomical data analysisProficiency with Bayesian StatisticsStrong publication record in relevant venuesStrong communication and collaboration skillsPreferred 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 impactAccountabilities: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 UniversityFounded 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 DescriptionTime Type RequirementFull 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 StatementThe 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 ApplicantsIf 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 Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1