Postdoctoral Researcher in Star Formation (Fixed term for 12 months)

Salary Range

£36,333 – £43,155 per annum

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a distinctive, unique institution, rooted in the Liverpool City Region and with a global presence. Our students and staff, past, present, and future, are the beating heart of our city and can be found in every corner of every industry and community. We couldn’t exist anywhere else and have shaped the city in which we belong. Working with the people of Liverpool to improve lives and support communities is at the heart of why we were founded and why we exist today.

The Galactic Centre research group at the Astrophysics Research Institute of Liverpool John Moores University is seeking a candidate who will work with Professor Steve Longmore and Dr Jonathan Henshaw exploiting cutting-edge observational data from facilities such as ALMA, JWST, and the VLA to understand the mass flows and energy cycles at the centres of galaxies.

The STFC funded project will primarily focus on analysing JWST data of Galactic Centre gas clouds to understand how the extreme environment shapes the formation and evolution of stars in the Central Molecular Zone of the Milky Way.

You should have a PhD in astronomy/astrophysics or a closely related field by the starting date. We seek applications from a wide variety of fields, but expertise in observations/theories of star formation and the interstellar medium, including working with JWST data is a plus.

The position is for 24 months in the first instance. The start date is 1st October 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Please upload two documents: 1) a CV, including a list of publications, and the contact details of 2 referees; 2) a cover letter outlining why you are interested in the position and how you meet the job criteria, followed by a 2 page statement of research interests and experience.

Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Longmore at S.N.Longmore@ljmu.ac.uk or Dr Henshaw, at J.D.Henshaw@ljmu.ac.uk

In return, we offer an excellent benefits package including generous annual leave entitlement, pension scheme, induction and development support as well as family-friendly policies.

This is an exciting time to join LJMU in our bicentenary year and with the launch of our new strategic plan.  

If you feel that this is the role you have been looking for and your skills and experience can make a real difference at LJMU, we look forward to hearing from you.

LJMU is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and communities irrespective of age, transgender status, disability, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity and religion or belief.  All our appointments are made on merit.

Please note all of our vacancies will be closed to applications at midnight on the advertised closing date, unless otherwise stated.

LJMU are committed to adhering to the Principles set out in the Researcher Development Concordat; in line with this all fixed-term researchers will be supported to complete 10 days professional development activities per year (pro-rata).