Research Assistant(s)/Associate(s) in High Energy Astrophysics

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

The Institute of Astronomy (IoA), Cambridge University (West Cambridge site) expects to appoint one or more postdoctoral researcher(s) to work with the Plumian Professor, Prof. Christopher Reynolds, on theoretical or observational topics related to black hole astrophysics. The studies to be pursued include the physics of black hole accretion disks, the interactions of active galactic nuclei (AGN) with galactic/cluster-scale structure, and the plasma physics of the hot plasma in galaxy clusters. Substantial experience with computational modelling of magnetohydrodynamic flows, particle-in-cell (PIC) modelling of plasma kinetics, and/or the reduction and analysis of astrophysical X-ray data will be highly desirable for these positions.

The successful applicant(s) will be expected to pursue independent and collaborative research, develop a high degree of interaction with the faculty, postdoctoral researchers and research students, and actively contribute to the life of the department. They will disseminate their research findings via publications or other appropriate media, such as international workshops and conferences. They will be encouraged to participate in the teaching and learning programmes of the department as well as in the supervision of postgraduate research students and outreach events.

Applicants must have a PhD in Astronomy or a related field, or have satisfied the requirements for the PhD, by the time of appointment. Applicants must possess a scientific publication record and a clear outline of current and future research areas of interest. Applicants must have excellent communication and computing skills and are expected to produce scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Successful candidates who have not been awarded their PhD by the appointment date will be appointed as Research Assistant at Grade 5 (£26,715 to £30,942 per annum). Upon award of the PhD the individual(s) will be promoted to Research Associate, Grade 7 (£32,806 to £40,322 per annum).

The University of Cambridge thrives on the diversity of its staff and students. Applications from underrepresented groups are particularly welcome. We have an active Equality and Diversity Committee which continually works to further the aims of the Athena SWAN charter. The University has a number of family- friendly policies and initiatives, including a returning-carer scheme, childcare costs support, university workplace nurseries, university holiday play-schemes, and a shared parental-leave policy. As part of its commitment to providing a family-friendly environment for researchers, the IoA ensures that should parental leave be needed during the course of employment, there is provision for extension to contract to compensate for the parental leave taken.