Assistant Professor of Gravitational‑Wave & Multi‑Messenger Astrophysics

Assistant Professor of Gravitational‑Wave & Multi‑Messenger Astrophysics Vanderbilt University: College of Arts and Science: Natural Sciences: Physics & Astronomy

Location

Open Date

Sep 12, 2025

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:

• Cover letter describing the candidate's reasons for applying, and their fit to the position;
• 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;
• Research statement, summarizing past achievements and 3–5 year vision, including funding plans, strategy for interdisciplinary collaboration, and complementarity with existing departmental research;
• 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;
• 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Vanderbilt University shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.