Lecturer in General Relativistic Astrophysics

Job title:

Lecturer in General Relativistic Astrophysics

Company

University College London

Job description

About usThis post is a Lectureship (permanent position) within the Astrophysics Group at the Mullard Space Science Laboratory (in the Department of Space and Climate Physics ). The Department is part of the Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at University College LondonThe MSSL Astrophysics Group carries out research in high-energy astrophysics, cosmology, galaxy evolution and exoplanets ( ). The Astrophysics Group consists of 10 academics, 10 postdoctoral researchers and 26 PhD students. We have a coherent, strategic programme of astronomy research where we exploit the data provided by astrophysics facilities in which we have made a key investment, such as XMM-Newton, Swift, Gaia, Euclid, and PLATO (currently in its build phase). Our scientists also routinely use other facilities both space-borne and ground-based to address the science question at hand.We have a strong theoretical and modeling element to complement our observational strengths. This is led by Prof, S. Zane, Prof. K. Wu, and Prof. J. McEwen who are international experts in X-ray polarimetry, relativistic astrophysics, interferometry and are active members of the science teams of NASA’s IXPE mission and the ground-based facilities SKA and LSST. MSSL is the leading department for the UCL LISA Consortium for gravitational wave research, and (together with the UCL Physics & Astronomy Department) leads the UK involvement in the P-ONE undersea observatory for neutrino astrophysics research. MSSL is participating in developing the science ground segment for the NewAthena mission.This post is an important element in our plan to grow MSSL’s theoretical research in compact object astrophysics, general relativistic astrophysics and black-hole imaging interferometry, with a particular focus on understanding and interpreting phenomena that will be studied by major observatories now in development such as the European Space Agency’s LISA and NewAthena missions.Mullard Space Science Laboratory is located on its own campus in the beautiful Surrey Hills. With approximately 90 research active staff and students, and a total staff of ~150, MSSL is the UK’s largest university space research group. We have the unique capability of designing, building and testing instruments and other spacecraft systems on site. Our research scientists and development engineers work together to ensure the scientific capability of the instruments we produce.UCL was one of the first universities in the world to become involved in making scientific observations in space. Since the Department was established in 1966, we have participated in over 71 satellite missions with the European Space Agency, NASA (US), Japan, Russia, China and India, and flown over 230 rocket experiments. At present, 6 instruments which MSSL helped build are in operation on 5 Astrophysics missions, namely XMM-Newton, INTEGRAL, Swift, Gaia and Euclid.As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s academic talent, from local to global. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.About the roleThe successful applicant will be expected to pursue a vigorous internationally competitive original research programme to further advance high-energy/multi-messenger astrophysics and general relativistic astrophysics research at MSSL, in particular concerning general relativistic radiative transfer, general relativistic MHD, black-hole imaging interferometry and gravitational wave sources.Duties and responsibilitiesResearch

• To pursue and encourage a vigorous and world-class research programme in general relativistic radiative transfer, general relativistic MHD, black-hole imaging interferometry and gravitational wave sources.
• To lead on research projects, and secure grant funding in order to support their research programme, postdoctoral research staff and PhD students.
• To communicate research by publishing high-impact peer-reviewed journal articles
• To take a strategic role in maximising the impact of their work in the field, and to pursue leadership positions in their field.
• To promote and advance the reputation of UCL with scientists and the public.
• To engage in external activities that bring national and international esteem to the group and UCL.

Teaching

• To contribute to the teaching programme of the Department, and to its planning and organisation.
• Participate in assessment and examination processes as appropriate and provide effective, timely and appropriate feedback to students to support their learning
• Supervise taught graduate (Masters) student projects
• Recruit and mentor postdoctoral researchers, and support their career development.
• Supervise research graduate (MPhil/PhD) students and support their career development.
• To provide pastoral care and support to students.

Management

• To contribute to the work of Departmental or UCL-wide working groups or committees as requested.
• Line manage staff, as requested by the Head of Department
• To actively contribute to foster the research environment within the group and the department.
• Manage grant resources efficiently and effectively, when required.

About youYou will have a PhD in a relevant field, and experience in topics such as general relativistic radiative transfer and general relativistic MHD. You will have an active research profile at national and international level, with sustained research or other outcomes, including a track record of first and co-author publications. You will have experience of research leadership, of supervising postgraduate research students and of working independently and with others, respecting deadlines. You may have teaching experience, experience in preparing competitive grant proposals and/or an interest in science communication.What we offerAs well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-site outdoor swimming pool
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

Please visit to find out more.The Department is family friendly and applications would be welcome from applicants seeking flexible working hours. The Department was awarded the status of Institute of Physics Juno Practitioner and has participated in the Pilot programme for the Institute of Physics’ new inclusion model that will replace Juno. The aim of Project Juno is to recognise and reward physics departments, schools, institutes and organisations that can demonstrate they have taken action to address gender equality in physics and to encourage better practice for all staff.A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.If you have any queries about the role, please contactPlease ensure you that attach a supporting statement as part of your application to address how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as outlined in the person specification.Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and InclusionAs London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent.We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce.These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here:Available documents

Expected salary

Location

North West London

Job date

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 03:34:16 GMT

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