Research Assistant(s)/Associate(s)

Fixed-term: The funds for the post(s) are available immediately and from three years from the start of the position(s).

The Institute of Astronomy (IoA), Cambridge University (West Cambridge site) expects to appoint one or more postdoctoral researcher(s) to work with the newly appointed Plumian Professor, Prof. Christopher Reynolds, on theoretical 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 and/or particle-in-cell (PIC) modelling of plasma kinetics will be highly desirable for this position.

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 (appointment as Research Associate) or have submitted by the time of appointment (appointment as Research Assistant) . 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.

The current Research Associate salary scale is £25,728 - £30,688 (Research Assistant) and £31,604-£38,833 (Research Associate) p.a. plus superannuation benefits.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please visit:

http://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/15433. This will take you to the role on the University’s Job Opportunities pages. There you will need to click on the 'Apply online' button and register an account with the University's Web Recruitment System (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

Please submit your application by midnight (GMT) of the closing date. If you have any queries about your application, please contact Ms Joy McSharry (jpm(at ast.cam.ac.uk). Further information can be obtained from Professor Christopher Reynolds (csr12(at)ast.cam.ac.uk).

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) with publication record and research statement and covering letter and the contact details of three referees. References will be sought for shortlisted candidates.

The IoA is committed to providing a family friendly environment for researchers and is ensuring 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.

Please quote reference LG13723 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.

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