Postdoctoral Fellow

A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Physics at the University of Idaho. The primary focus of this position is advancing numerical relativity methods for compact binary systems. Specifically, the scholar will conduct research in numerical relativity by extending the Einstein Toolkit, Black Holes@Home, and the super

B project to perform state‑of‑the‑art simulations of compact binaries (including binary black holes, binary neutron stars, and black hole–neutron star binaries). The broader goals are to generate accurate predictions for gravitational‑wave and multimessenger signals and to explore challenging regimes of parameter space.

• Demonstrated research in numerical relativity, computational general relativity, or a closely related area of computational physics.
• Experience with PDE solvers (elliptic and/or hyperbolic), numerical methods, and scientific software development.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and Python, with experience in HPC environments (e.g., MPI/OpenMP; GPU experience a plus).
• Record of peer‑reviewed publications appropriate to career stage.

• Ph.D. in Physics, Astrophysics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, or a closely related field by the start date.

• Strong scientific communication skills (written and oral).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Commitment to reproducible research (version control, testing, documentation).
• Experience generating binary black hole initial data (conformally flat/curved) on curvilinear/multipatch/multidomain/AMR grids.
• Experience with Einstein Toolkit, NRPy/NRPyElliptic, GRHayL, Illinois
  
  GRMHD, or comparable /GRMHD codes.
• Background implementing or benchmarking radiation transport (neutrino or photon) in GR.
• Workflow on supercomputers (e.g., Slurm/PBS), CI/testing, and contributions to open‑source scientific software.
• Familiarity with gravitational‑wave modeling and catalog/campaign paper authorship.

• None

Degree qualification is required at time of hire.

Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• List of References
• Statement of Research

• This position is open until filled; applications received on or before January 25 2026 will receive first consideration.
• Posting will remain open until a suitable pool of candidates is identified.
• Please use your CV, List of References, Cover Letter, and Statement of Research to explain in detail how your work experience, skills, and abilities meet both the required and preferred qualifications as listed in the position description.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Were you referred to this employment opportunity by a current University of Idaho employee? If so, please provide their name and department.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • Academic Careers
  • Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU)
  • Chronicle
  • Facebook
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  • Higher Ed Jobs
  • Idaho Department of Labor/Job Service including Job Central or Idaho Works (Idaho works.gov)
  • Inside Higher Ed
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  • Other Venue
  • Professional Listservs (Ex: NACUBO, AAAE, ISMC, etc.)
  • University of Idaho Website
  • University of Idaho Daily Register
  • University of Idaho Employee
  • Word of Mouth
  • Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)

The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.