Research Associate, Data Scientist, Research Scientist

Job Posting Title

Research Associate

Department of Physics

All Applicants

40

Exempt

Immediately

Expected to Continue Until May 01, 2026

UT MAIN CAMPUS

The College of Natural Sciences at UT Austin, strives to foster a work environment that enables all employees to contribute at the highest possible level to support the mission of the University. What starts here really does change the world. For more information about the College of Natural Sciences, please visit. .

The Department of Physics plays a pivotal role in the advancing of knowledge, nurturing the next generation of physicists and making a lasting impact on the world of physics.

The university offers an impressive benefits package including:

• Employer paid health insurance (employee premiums covered at 100%; spouse and family premiums at 50%)
• Dental, vision, life and disability insurance options
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plan

For more details, please see:
Prospective Employee Benefits and My Total Rewards.

The research associate will conduct independent and collaborative research in gravitational wave data analysis and astrophysics under the supervision of Professor Digvijay (Jay) Wadekar. The research associate will contribute to ongoing projects analyzing data from LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA gravitational wave detectors to detect and characterize signals from compact object mergers. Research responsibilities include developing data analysis and artificial intelligence methodologies, performing statistical inference on gravitational wave events, contributing to astrophysical population studies, and publishing results in peer-reviewed journals.

The postdoc will also participate in scientific collaborations, present research at conferences, and may contribute to mentoring graduate students.

This position is funded for two years, with a third year contingent upon the availability of continued funding.

• Conduct original research in gravitational wave data analysis and astrophysics
• Develop and implement advanced data analysis algorithms and artificial intelligence methods
• Analyze data from LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA detectors to search for and characterize gravitational wave signals
• Collaborate with other research groups at UT Austin
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Present research at national and international conferences
• Participate in group meetings and scientific discussions
• Assist with mentoring graduate students (as appropriate) and contribute to proposal writing and research planning

Completion of a PhD in Physics, Astronomy, Data Science or a related field at least 2 years prior to the start of the position.

Experience with artificial intelligence tools and knowledge of gravitational wave theory and data analysis software.

$72,000

• Some lifting and moving of equipment may be required.
• May work in standard office conditions.

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• 3 Letters of References

You will be prompted to submit your resume in the first step of the online job application process. Then, any additional Required Materials will be uploaded in the My Experience section; you can multi-select the additional files or click the Upload button for each file. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find Jobs. Before you apply though, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left‑hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile. This information will be pulled into your application. The application is one page, and you will need to click the…