Job Details

Type: Full-Time
Posted: 12/03/2025
Category: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Application Instructions for External Applicants

Before beginning your application, please ensure all required documents are prepared and ready to upload.

Uploading Your Materials

• Go to the “My Experience” page of the application.

• Scroll to the “Resume/CV” upload section.

• Click “Select Files” to upload your cover letter, CV, and all required supporting documents.

• Multiple files may be uploaded at once.

Important:
This is the only opportunity to upload your documents. After submitting your application, you will not be able to modify or add attachments.

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Job Description Summary

The Wake Forest University Department of Physics invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in multimessenger astrophysics. The selected scholar will work closely with Professor Caitlin Witt on projects involving:

• Pulsar timing arrays

• Electromagnetic searches for supermassive black hole binaries

• Methods for detecting gravitational waves using pulsar timing data

• Analysis of upcoming next-generation pulsar timing array datasets

• Development of techniques for optical time-domain survey analysis

The postdoctoral scholar will also have opportunities to mentor students within the research group.

Expertise in gravitational-wave or electromagnetic survey data analysis (any frequency band) is desired but not required.

A Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy/Astrophysics, or a related field is required before the start date, expected in Fall 2026.

The initial appointment is two years, with the possibility of a third-year extension based on performance and funding.

Applications received by January 15, 2026, will receive full consideration. Review continues until the position is filled.

Application Materials

To apply, submit:

1. Cover letter

2. Curriculum vitae (CV)

3. 2–3 page research statement

4. Three letters of recommendation, sent directly by referees to Dr. Caitlin Witt at wittc@wfu.edu

Please note: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Essential Functions

• Conduct research with Professor Witt on pulsar timing arrays and electromagnetic investigations of supermassive black hole binaries.

• Develop new methods for gravitational-wave detection using pulsar timing data.

• Play a key role in analyzing upcoming pulsar timing array datasets for gravitational-wave signatures.

• Develop techniques for analyzing optical time-domain surveys.

• Mentor student researchers within the group.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy/Astrophysics, or a related field

• Strong background in astronomical data analysis

• Proficiency in Bayesian statistics

• Strong publication record

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in multimessenger astronomy

• Experience with nanohertz gravitational-wave analysis via pulsar timing arrays

• Experience with electromagnetic surveys for supermassive black hole binaries

• Interest in interdisciplinary research and real-world scientific impact

Accountabilities

• Fully responsible for assigned work and research activities.

Physical Requirements

• Primarily sedentary work (sitting/standing)

• Frequent communication and data analysis tasks

• Repetitive motions involving hands, wrists, and/or fingers

Environmental Conditions: None.

About Wake Forest University

Founded in 1834, Wake Forest University is a private, coeducational institution renowned for excellence in liberal arts, graduate, and professional education. With more than 5,400 undergraduates and 3,500 graduate/professional students, the University maintains a student–faculty ratio of 11:1.

Wake Forest offers:

• A vibrant, intellectual, and inclusive community

• Robust cultural life and state-of-the-art facilities

• A strong athletics program competing in the ACC

• A long-standing commitment to service through its motto, Pro Humanitate

The campus is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, known for:

• A thriving arts and innovation culture

• High-quality schools

• Diverse dining and recreation

• Proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains (1.5 hours) and Atlantic beaches (4 hours)

• Four-season climate

• A reasonable cost of living

Winston-Salem offers many big-city amenities within a welcoming, community-oriented environment.

Additional Information

Time Type Requirement: Full Time

This position profile outlines major duties but does not include every potential responsibility. Additional job-related tasks may be assigned by the supervisor.

Wake Forest conducts background checks and drug screenings for all final staff candidates.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Wake Forest University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, genetic information, military status, or veteran status.

Accommodations for Applicants

Individuals requiring accommodations for the application or interview process may contact:
AskHR@wfu.edu
(336) 758-4700

Wake Forest is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from candidates across all backgrounds.