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The Pennsylvania State University

Penn State is also home to the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos and its Center for Multimessenger Astrophysics, which includes members of several experiments, such as LIGO, the IceCube ...

The Pennsylvania State University

$201.80K/yr

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: * CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here ...

The Pennsylvania State University

PSU hosts strong experimental groups UHE neutrinos as well as in LIGO, HELIX, Tigress, LZ, Project8, IceCube, GRAND, and Swift. Penn State also has leading theoretical groups in particle astrophysics ...

The Pennsylvania State University

PSU hosts the Astrophysical Multi-Messenger Observatory Network, strong experimental groups in LIGO, HAWC, Auger, HELIX, LZ, Project8, IceCube, GRAND, and Swift, as well as leading theoretical groups ...

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How much do ligo jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for ligo in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Ligo job?

A Ligo job typically refers to a position at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), a research facility dedicated to detecting gravitational waves. Jobs at LIGO span various fields, including physics, engineering, data analysis, and administrative roles. Researchers and engineers work on developing advanced detection technologies, analyzing data, and maintaining the observatory's complex systems. These positions are often found at institutions like Caltech and MIT, which collaborate on LIGO projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a LIGO Scientist, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and data analysis, usually supported by an advanced degree (Ph.D.) in physics or a related field. Expertise in programming languages like Python or MATLAB, familiarity with data acquisition systems, and experience with laser interferometry are commonly required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for addressing complex research challenges and collaborating within large scientific teams. These competencies ensure accurate data interpretation, successful experiment execution, and meaningful contributions to groundbreaking gravitational-wave discoveries.

What are some of the common challenges faced by LIGO scientists and engineers in their daily work?

LIGO scientists and engineers frequently encounter challenges related to the sensitivity and precision required for gravitational wave detection. Maintaining and troubleshooting highly sensitive equipment, minimizing environmental noise, and ensuring data integrity are all part of the daily routine. Effective teamwork is essential, as collaboration between physicists, engineers, and data analysts ensures the smooth operation and continuous improvement of the observatory. Adaptability and problem-solving skills are crucial since unexpected technical issues can arise at any time.

What are LIGO scientists and what do they do?

LIGO scientists are researchers and engineers who work on the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) project. Their main role is to detect and study gravitational waves—ripples in space-time caused by massive cosmic events like merging black holes or neutron stars. They operate advanced laser interferometers, analyze collected data, and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in physics and astronomy. LIGO scientists often collaborate internationally and help expand our understanding of the universe.
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Infographic showing various Ligo job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Postdoctoral Researchers - Time Domain and Multi-Messenger Astrophysics

Postdoctoral Researchers - Time Domain and Multi-Messenger Astrophysics

The Pennsylvania State University

On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Penn State invites applicants for two Postdoctoral Researcher positions to work with Professor Jimmy DeLaunay and collaborators. The successful applicants will work with the Fermi GBM and Swift-BAT GUANO teams to search for hard X-ray to gamma-ray transients in real-time as well as archivally over the decades of Fermi's and Swift's lifetime. Additionally, the successful applicants will perform multi-messenger and transient population studies. Research duties will involve improving transient search pipelines, analysis of large quantities of data, transient classification, detailed studies of newly discovered, interesting transients, and publication of scientific results.

Penn State is home to the Swift Mission Operation Center and has a significant community of researchers who study high-energy transients. Penn State is also home to the Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos and its Center for Multimessenger Astrophysics, which includes members of several experiments, such as LIGO, the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, and the HAWC TeV gamma-ray detector.

Education and Experience

A Ph.D. in Astronomy, Physics, or a related field is required. Experience with HPC systems, machine learning, and GRB monitor data analysis would be an advantage.

Additional Information

Applications must be submitted electronically and include a cover letter, statement of research interests, a CV, and a list of publications. In addition, please arrange for three professional reference letters to be sent to jjd330@psu.edu.

Questions regarding the application process can be directed to Professor Jimmy DeLaunay at jjd330@psu.edu. Review of applications will begin May 8, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by May 7th will receive full consideration. The expected start date is August 2026, but is negotiable.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

For more detailed information, please visit ourBenefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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About Pennsylvania State University

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Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

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Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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