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Astrophysics Postdoc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

... Astrophysics at Penn State invites applications for a full-time Lecturer or Assistant Teaching ... For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.) CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME ...

The Pennsylvania State University

The Particle Astrophysics group at Penn State is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work with Professor Stephanie Wissel on experimental searches for the highest energy neutrinos, multi-messenger ...

Rutgers University

Postdoctoral Associate

Piscataway, NJ · On-site

$63K/yr

Position Details Position Information Recruitment/Posting Title Postdoctoral Associate Department ... D. in Earth and planetary sciences, geophysics, astrophysics, applied mathematics, or a closely ...

Ohio State University

Postdoctoral Scholar

Columbus, OH · On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

Arts and Sciences | Astronomy The Postdoctoral Scholar will work with Professor Scott Gaudi in the Department of Astronomy at The Ohio State University on the development of the Living Worlds science ...

The Ohio State University

Postdoctoral Scholar

Columbus, OH · On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

Arts and Sciences | Astronomy The Postdoctoral Scholar will work with Professor Scott Gaudi in the Department of Astronomy at The Ohio State University on the development of the Living Worlds science ...

The Pennsylvania State University

The Particle Astrophysics group at Penn State is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to work with Prof. Stephanie Wissel on experimental searches for the highest energy neutrinos, multi-messenger, and ...

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How much do astrophysics postdoc jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for astrophysics postdoc in the United States is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an astrophysics postdoc?

An Astrophysics Postdoc is a temporary research position, typically lasting two to three years, for individuals who have recently completed their PhD in astrophysics or a related field. Postdocs work on specialized research projects, often under the supervision of a senior scientist or as part of a research team. Their responsibilities include conducting original research, publishing papers, attending conferences, and sometimes mentoring students. These positions help researchers gain experience, develop expertise, and prepare for permanent academic or industry roles.

What kinds of research projects and collaborations can an astrophysics postdoc expect to be involved in?

Astrophysics Postdocs often work on cutting-edge research projects that can include observational campaigns, theoretical modeling, data analysis from telescopes or space missions, and developing new computational tools. Collaborations are common, both within the host institution and with national or international teams, frequently involving interdisciplinary groups of physicists, data scientists, and engineers. Many postdocs contribute to publishing papers, presenting findings at conferences, and sometimes mentoring graduate or undergraduate students. This environment offers a dynamic blend of independent research and teamwork, fostering both deep expertise and broad professional connections in the astrophysics community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an astrophysics postdoc?

To thrive as an Astrophysics Postdoc, you need an advanced degree (PhD) in astrophysics or a related field, along with strong analytical, mathematical, and research skills. Experience with programming languages like Python or C++, data analysis tools, and familiarity with astronomical instrumentation are common requirements. Excellent written and verbal communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities are key soft skills for effective work within research teams and conference settings. These skills enable impactful scientific contributions, efficient data interpretation, and successful integration into complex research projects.

Are astrophysics postdocs in high demand?

Astrophysics postdoctoral positions are competitive and often limited in number, with demand influenced by funding availability and research priorities. While there are opportunities in academia, research institutions, and observatories, the overall demand for astrophysics postdocs remains moderate, requiring strong research skills and a Ph.D. in astrophysics or related fields.
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Astrophysics Postdoc jobs near you
Infographic showing various Astrophysics Postdoc job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,777 per year, or $21 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Gravitational-Wave & Multi-Messenger Astrophysics

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Vanderbilt University rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

150th of 628 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
The Department of Physics & Astronomy at Vanderbilt University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in gravitational-wave and multi-messenger astrophysics. We seek an outstanding scholar whose research spans gravitational-wave theory, data analysis, and/or multi-messenger astrophysics, ideally grounded in gravitational physics and relativistic astrophysics. Vanderbilt has growing strength, leadership, and strategic momentum in gravitational-wave science (e.g., in PTAs, LISA, and LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA) and multi-messenger astrophysics (e.g., in SDSS, LSST, and UVEX), with collaborative ties across Physics & Astronomy, Mathematics, Data Science, and campus-wide initiatives. Vanderbilt has also recently established the College of Connected Computing, its first new college in 40 years, to advance breakthrough discoveries and strengthen computing education for students through a "computing for all" approach.
The candidate will be expected to develop a visible, high-impact, externally funded research program in gravitational-wave and/or multi-messenger astrophysics; engage collaboratively with national and international efforts (e.g., PTAs, LISA, LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA) and with Vanderbilt's broader research efforts, and computational and data-intensive ecosystem.Candidates will be expected to teach at both undergraduate and graduate levels, advise PhD students, and mentor undergraduate students. They should also contribute to the department, college, and profession, including activities that promote a welcoming and collaborative academic community.
Qualifications
Qualifications
• Ph.D. in Physics, Astronomy/Astrophysics, or a closely related field by August 1, 2026. Preferably with several years of postdoctoral research experience.
• Evidence of research excellence and potential for leadership in gravitational-wave and/or multi-messenger astrophysics.
• Commitment to effective teaching and mentoring at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Ability to collaborate across subfields of physics, astronomy, mathematics, and data/computational science.
Application Instructions
Please submit the following:
  1. Cover letter describing the candidate's reasons for applying, and their fit to the position;
  2. Curriculum vitae with publication list. If relevant, the latter should be separated into publications for which the candidate made major contributions or led, then other large collaborative publications;
  3. Research statement, summarizing past achievements and 3-5 year vision, including funding plans, strategy for interdisciplinary collaboration, and complementarity with existing departmental research;
  4. Teaching and mentoring statement, addressing (where relevant) the applicant's approach to classroom and laboratory instruction, mentorship of students and postdoctoral scholars, and ways to foster a welcoming environment for the development of scholars who come to Vanderbilt with many different backgrounds and experiences. Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g., course evaluations) must be included, if available;
  5. Applicants should arrange for three letters of confidential recommendation to be uploaded via the same link.

Review of applications will begin November 1, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, please ensure all materials (including letters) are submitted by November 15, 2025. Inquiries may be directed to Professor Stephen Taylor: stephen.r.taylor@vanderbilt.edu.

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