Postdoctoral Research Associate - Department of Physics and Astronomy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University (WVU) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. The research group of Dr. Burke-Spolaor is seeking outstanding, highly motivated postdoctoral researchers whose goals align with the general topic of enabling the multi-messenger era of supermassive black holes. The incumbent in this position will conduct research in the area of astronomical research in topics related to multi-messenger astronomy, ideally with a focus on radio and other wavelength studies of AGN in the context of interest to pulsar timing arrays and LISA. This is a full-time, benefits eligible position. The initial appointment will be for one year, with an expectation that the position will be continued for a total of three years.

The successful candidate will be expected to work closely within the research group of Dr. Sarah Burke-Spolaor, interfacing actively with other members of WVU's Department of Physics and Astronomy and its Center for Gravitational Waves and Cosmology (GWAC). GWAC spans the Physics/Astronomy, Computer Science, and Electrical Engineering departments at WVU. There are three senior members of NANOGrav resident at WVU (Burke-Spolaor, D. Lorimer, M. McLaughlin). WVU faculty in the astrophysics and space physics groups are also members of the LIGO and LISA collaborations, and carry out research in other topics such as star formation, space plasma, cosmology, and solar physics. The astronomy group in the Physics & Astronomy Department and GWAC have extensive collective experience in multi-wavelength astronomy, gravitational-wave science, high-performance computing. Group members regularly have the option to visit the Green Bank Observatory site, which is 2.5 hours south of campus. The successful candidate will have access to WVU's high-performance computational facilities and will be provided with travel and research funds.

Responsibilities:

Specific responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: study of active galactic nuclei as candidate binary massive black hole sources with a focus on radio observation; research with a focus on enabling the era of multi-messenger astronomy with supermassive and intermediate-mass binary black holes; design follow-up campaigns for multi-messenger and multi-wavelength detections of binary supermassive black holes; independent research in topics related to multi-messenger science; and assist and mentor graduate and undergraduate students.

Professional Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in astrophysics, physics, or related field is required.

In addition, the successful applicant must have working knowledge of active galactic nuclei. Other desired, but not required, qualifications include experience working with large survey data, pulsar timing arrays, and/or radio astronomical data reduction (in particular long-baseline interferometry). Other requirements include excellent written and oral communication skills; mentoring experience; and demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills.

Application:

To apply, please visit WVU Careers. Upload the following: 1) a curriculum vitae; 2) an application letter that discusses relevant experience and interest in research area; and 3) contact information for three references that can provide recommendation letters.

The screening process will begin on March 16, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. For more information, contact Dr. Burke-Spolaor (sarah.spolaor@mail.wvu.edu).

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