Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Astronomy Group

Job title:

Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Astronomy Group

Company

Royal Holloway, University of London

Job description

This is the expected starting salary for this post. Appointment at a higher point may be made for candidates who demonstrate exceptional skills and experience relevant to the role.Post Type
Full TimeClosing Date
23.59 hours GMT on Friday 28 February 2025Reference
1224-363Right to work: Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the .Full-Time, Fixed-Term (24 months)Post Overview:Applications are invited for the post of a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Astronomy Group as part of the initial hiring process for the recently awarded UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project “Revealing the secrets of neutron-star interiors with AI and the SKA” led by Dr Vanessa Graber.The successful candidate will join Royal Holloway’s Astronomy Group and conduct research activities related to the modelling of the interiors of compact stars. This post will specifically focus on the cross-disciplinary area of cosmic superfluidity in ultra-dense matter and combine theoretical and numerical modelling with scientific software development to build a new framework for describing superfluid neutron star interiors. For this project, the post holder will have access to state-of-the-art computing facilities and collaborate with UCL’s Advanced Research Computing Centre as well as experimental and theoretical low-temperature researchers at Royal Holloway. The successful applicant is further expected to help produce independent and original research within Royal Holloway’s Centre for Particle Physics and Astronomy, submit publications to refereed journals, and work together with and help supervise, BSc, MSc/MSci, and PhD students.The successful applicant will have a PhD in Astrophysics, Theoretical Physics, or a related discipline as well as prior experience relevant to one or more of the following research disciplines: (i) Neutron Star Astrophysics, (ii) Nuclear Theory, or (iii) Condensed-matter Theory. The post holder will also have strong communication skills and a keen interest in interdisciplinary research across these three areas.For more information see the detailed job description and person specification.Research Environment:Royal Holloway’s Astronomy Group covers a wide range of topics in astrophysics and astronomy, including stellar astrophysics, supernovae, radio pulsars, gravitational-wave astronomy, and cosmology. Leveraging state-of-the-art observational facilities such as JWST, the Hubble Space Telescope, the LIGO/VIRGO gravitational-wave detectors, and the Euclid satellite, we investigate fundamental questions about the nature of celestial objects, the evolution of galaxies, and the structure of the Universe itself. We are also actively involved in the utilisation of upcoming facilities like the Square Kilometre Array Observatory and the next-generation Einstein Telescope. The Astronomy Group specifically focuses on the application of advanced Artificial Intelligence methods to astrophysical research. As a result, we collaborate with experts in Computer Science and in the wider economy where our cutting-edge techniques can have a broader impact.Royal Holloway’s low-temperature research groups, centred around the London Low Temperature Laboratory, conduct world-leading studies into quantum materials and phenomena at ultra-low temperatures. In particular, they explore exotic states of matter such as supersolids, topological superconductors, and quantum liquids, with a strong emphasis on superfluid helium. RHUL also has extensive experience in cross-disciplinary research, successfully leading the QUEST-DMC project at the interface of quantum technology and particle physics, using superfluid helium-3 to probe dark matter candidates and simulate early universe phase transitions. As a founding member of the European Microkelvin Platform, RHUL also contributes to the development of new quantum technologies such as ultrasensitive measurement techniques to advance nanoscience and quantum materials research.Royal Holloway offers an extensive rewards and benefits package including generous annual leave as well as a wide variety of training and development opportunities specifically tailored to Early Career Researchers. Additional training initiatives will also be offered as part of the FLF project.The post will be based in Egham where the University is situated in a beautiful leafy campus near to Windsor Great Park and within commuting distance of London. The University and the Department of Physics are committed to creating a positive and inclusive environment. We, for example, host a variety of initiatives to support our students and staff including a LGBT+ Staff network, Disability and Mental Health Staff network, Black and Global Majority Staff Network, Parents and Carer’s Network and Women in Physics group. Equality, diversity, and inclusion will also be central to the work of the FLF project team, which the successful candidate will become a part of.Additional Information:This is a full-time post, available from 1 October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter for a fixed-term period of 2 years at Royal Holloway, University of London, with the possibility of a one-year extension following this initial period, subject to performance and funding availability.Interested applicants will need to complete an online application form including a set of supporting statements, upload a CV of no more than 3 pages including a list of publications, and provide names of two referees. Reference letters will only be requested for short-listed candidates.For an informal discussion about the post, please feel free to contact Dr Vanessa Graber by emailing .For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at .Please quote the reference: 1224-363Closing Date: 23:59, 28 February 2025Interview Date: Interviews will take place remotely w/c 31 March 2025 Further details:

Expected salary

£40839 per year

Location

Windsor, Berkshire – Egham, Surrey

Job date

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 05:43:37 GMT

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