Postdoctoral fellowship for gravitational wave astronomy and astrophysics

The Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO) in China invites applications for a postdoctoral research fellowship focusing on gravitational wave science. The research involves black hole mergers, data analysis of gravitational wave signals, or gravitational wave searches using Gaia. Successful candidates will work with Hiromichi Tagawa and Han Wen-Biao at SHAO and will also have the opportunity to conduct independent research. 

SHAO comprises about 13 research groups, including 9 foreign and 14 Chinese postdoctoral researchers (http://astro-en.shao.cas.cn/lytd/groups/). The research teams at SHAO are diverse, encompassing theoretical, numerical, and observational frontiers in galaxy formation, galactic dynamics, cosmology, exoplanet studies, high-energy astrophysics, and gravitational wave astrophysics. 

The appointment is initially for 2 years, extendable for an additional year. The salary ranges from ~300,000 RMB to ~350,000 RMB, depending on experience. The expected start date is between April and September 2025, with some flexibility.

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. degree and have a demonstrated research record in astrophysics or gravitational wave physics. The applicants will also be considered to be located at the Tsung-Dao Lee Institute (https://tdli.sjtu.edu.cn/EN/) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University to conduct research on Gaia astrometric detection of low-frequency gravitational waves.  Applications should be submitted by email in PDF format to Hiromichi Tagawa ([email protected]) by March 11, 2025, with the subject “SHAO-GW postdoc application” to ensure full consideration. The application should include a brief cover letter (1 page), a research statement (maximum 3 pages; including a summary of current and previous research, and a research plan while working at SHAO), and a CV (with a publication list). Additionally, applicants should arrange for 2 referees to send letters of recommendation to the same email address. Questions can be directed to Hiromichi Tagawa ([email protected]).