91³Ô¹ÏÍø

91³Ô¹ÏÍø invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow in gravitational-wave astronomy and multi-messenger astrophysics. The successful candidate will join the Department of Physics & Astronomy as a VIPER (91³Ô¹ÏÍø Initiative in Probes of Extreme Relativity) Postdoctoral Fellow.

Candidates with experience in PTAs, LISA, LVK, or associated astrophysical/cosmological sources such as binary supermassive black holes, are strongly encouraged to apply. Postdocs at 91³Ô¹ÏÍø are appointed to renewable one-year terms, up to a prospective total of three years. The position comes with an attractive salary commensurate with other prestigious prize fellowships in astrophysics, full benefits, and a competitive research and travel budget.

VIPER operates within the vibrant Department of Physics & Astronomy at 91³Ô¹ÏÍø (https://as.vanderbilt.edu/astronomy) which includes faculty at the forefront of research in Gravitational Waves, Black Holes, and Pulsars. Faculty are world leaders within multi-messenger astrophysics collaborations such as NANOGrav, the International Pulsar Timing Array, LISA, LVK, SDSS, LSST, and EHT.

Candidates must have a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or equivalent, by the date of appointment. Applicants should ensure that all of the following are sent directly to viper.vanderbilt@gmail.com, with the subject line “VIPER Fellow 2026, LASTNAME FIRSTNAME”, and received by 11.59pm Central US Time on December 15th, 2026.

- A cover letter stating the applicant’s overall goals, motivation for applying, and how their research aligns with the position (1 page; LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_Cover.pdf)
- A curriculum vitae including a list of publications and talks. (LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_CV.pdf)
- A description of research accomplishments and future plans (3-page limit, 1-inch margins, 12 pt font; LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_Research.pdf)
- Names and contact details of three professional references (LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_References.pdf)
- Three letters of recommendation are to be sent directly to viper.vanderbilt@gmail.com with the subject line “VIPER Fellow 2026: reference letter for LASTNAME FIRSTNAME”.

Candidates interested in further details are encouraged to contact the Director of VIPER, Professor Stephen Taylor (stephen.r.taylor@vanderbilt.edu, ).