Research Assistant/Associate in Galaxy Formation (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance. The expected start date is October 2023.

The Institute of Astronomy (IoA) expects to appoint a postdoctoral researcher to work in Professor Debora Sijacki's group. The research will encompass a wide range of issues relating to black hole and galaxy formation at high redshifts, their cosmic evolution to the present day and the impact of supermassive black holes on galaxy mergers and galaxy clusters. The research will involve extensive hydrodynamical simulations as well as linkage to observational data. Substantial experience in N-body/hydrodynamical modelling is essential for this position.

The successful applicant 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.

A successful candidate who has not been awarded their PhD will be under appointed at Grade 5, (Research Assistant - £27,929 to £32,348 per annum) and upon award, promoted to Grade 7, (Research Associate - £34,308 to £42,155 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.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

The closing date for applications is 23:59 GMT on Monday, 5th December 2022. Please refer to further particulars for full instructions and be aware that referees will be asked to supply references by 12th December 2022. If you have any queries about your application please contact (hr(at)ast.cam.ac.uk). Informal enquires may be addressed to Professor Debora Sijacki (deboras(at)ast.cam.ac.uk)

Please quote reference LG34010 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.