Postdoctoral Research Associate in Star Cluster Dynamics

Keele University wishes to appoint a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) starting from 1 August 2020 (no later than 1 October 2020), to conduct research on the 6D structure and dynamics of star clusters. The appointed researcher will work with Dr Nick Wright and colleagues in the Astrophysics group, as part of a Leverhulme Trust funded project to develop statistical diagnostics to quantify the spatial and kinematic structure of star clusters and OB associations. The project will use data from ESA’s Gaia satellite and radial velocities from spectroscopic surveys that the group are involved with (GES and WEAVE).

The PDRA will lead the exploration, development and testing of new statistical diagnostics, drawing on work on spatial statistics in other fields such as environmental health, geography and ecology. The work will involve working with colleagues in geography and statistics, exploring a diverse literature, testing existing statistical diagnostics and then applying them to multi-dimensional observational datasets of star clusters and OB associations to test theories for their formation and dispersal.

Applicants should have (or be close to completing) a PhD in astrophysics or in another scientific or computational field with statistical expertise, and have demonstrated an aptitude for research. A strong publication record (commensurate with career stage), excellent communication skills, and experience with large, multi-dimensional datasets would be highly desirable.

Keele University is committed to the Athena SWAN charter, and values equality and diversity across our workforce.  We strive to ensure that our workforce is representative of broader society, and therefore would actively welcome applications from women for this role.

The position is full-time and fixed-term for 3 years. The starting salary will be in the range £33,797–£41,526 pa.

For further enquiries please contact Dr Nick Wright ([email protected]).