Research Fellow in Physical Modelling for Experimental Cosmology

Closing Date: 23 May 2021
Interview Date: TBC
Full Time
Fixed Term - three years in the first instance.
The  appointment will be on UCL Grade 7. The salary range will be £36,028 - £43,533 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.

UCL Physics and Astronomy

London

Research Fellow in Physical Modelling for Experimental Cosmology

The Astrophysics Group at UCL is involved with a diverse range of subjects covering cosmology and extragalactic research, star formation, planetary and exo-planet science and instrumentation. Many of the fields span from observational to theoretical and computational topics. We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher who will work on physical modelling and simulations of components and sub-systems related to Cosmic Microwave Background and Far Infrared Astronomy experiments. The post-holder will be based in the Astrophysics Group in the Bloomsbury campus.

The post-holder will perform original research in the areas of physical modelling of optical components and/or detectors in the millimeter wavelength region. This modelling will take the form of Finite-Element Analysis packages (COMSOL etc.) as well as ab-initio in house modelling codes. The modelling and simulations will aid in the design and characterization of ongoing CMB experiments such as the Litebird satellite (JAXA), the telescopes and instruments part of the Simons Observatory collaboration as well as other experiments which make use of similar technology.

The position includes an allocation for conference and collaborative travel (once the global public health situation permits) and for personal computing requirements.

The post-holder will be about to complete or have completed a PhD in a relevant astrophysics instrumentation field (including physics or engineering). They will have a track record of publication in astronomical or physics journals and preferably experience of communicating their research at national and international conferences. Experience in using modelling (including Finite Element Analysis) software is desirable.

The start date is nominally 1 May 2021, although a later start may be possible.

This position is funded by the UKRI-STFC Consolidated Grant for three years in the first instance.

The successful applicant will have a PhD in Physics or Astrophysics and expertise in optical, and/or thermo-mechanical knowledge.

Candidates should also have excellent written and verbal communication.

Knowledge and Experience in the use of ZEMAX/COMSOL or equivalent softwares are desirable.

Please note: appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at research assistant Grade 6B (salary £31,542 - £33,257 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

Applicants should apply online. To access further details about the position and how to apply please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Candidates will need to upload a CV (including a list of publications), a statement of research interests and plans (3 pages maximum), and the contact information for three references. A cover letter can be included using the "Statement in Support of your Application" section of the online form. Applicants should arrange for three letters of reference to be emailed to Prof. Giorgio Savini by the application deadline.

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Kay Nakum, [email protected].

Informal enquiries regarding the vacancy can be made to Prof Giorgio Savini, [email protected] (Tel: +44 (0)20 8238 8877).

Closing Date: 23/5/2021

Latest time for the submission of applications: 23:59.

Interview Date: TBC

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