Fellowship and Postdoctoral Research Positions in Observational and Theoretical Cosmology and Extragalactic Astronomy

We invite applications for observational and theoretical postdoctoral positions within the broad area of extragalactic astronomy and cosmology at the Durham University. We are particularly interested in candidates with research interests in the following areas: numerical simulations of structure formation, dark energy and modified gravity, dark matter, gravitational lensing, cluster physics, the Milky Way, near-field cosmology, galaxy surveys, absorption-line studies of the intergalactic medium, spatially resolved studies of galaxies, multiwavelength studies of the formation and evolution of galaxies, AGN and AGN-driven outflows, and the astrophysics of accreting black holes. However, excellent candidates with interests outside of these areas are also encouraged to apply.

We expect to recruit to postdoctoral positions supported by the European Research Council (ERC), the Leverhulme Trust, the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), and UK Research Innovation (UKRI). All positions are for up-to 3 years, subject to funding. 

Durham University hosts one of Europe's largest and most active research groups working in the fields of observational and theoretical extragalactic astronomy, cosmology, and instrumentation. Currently we have 32 permanent members of staff, including 4 long-term research fellows, and around 100 postdocs, students, and support staff. We have access to all UK national observing facilities, including ESO, ALMA and ESA, and membership of the KMOS, NuSTAR, XRISM, UK LOFAR, PAUS, and MOONS teams. Durham is also a partner of the DESI, 4MOST, Euclid, LSST, JCMT, and e-MERLIN collaborations and surveys. We are part of the Virgo Consortium and host extensive supercomputing resources, including the "Cosmology Machine", some of which is part of the DiRAC national supercomputing facility. Further information may be found at http://www.astro.dur.ac.uk/CEA/ and http://icc.dur.ac.uk/.

The Department of Physics is committed to building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment. It is pledged to the Athena SWAN charter, where we hold a silver award, and has the status of IoP Juno Champion. We embrace equality and particularly welcome applications from women, black and minority ethnic candidates, and members of other groups that are under-represented in physics. Durham University provides a range of benefits including pension, shared parental leave policy, and childcare provision and will assist with potential schooling requirements.

For all posts, salaries are on the Grade 7 scale, which is currently in the range £33,797-£40,322 and research support will be at standard UK rates. The starting dates are negotiable. Please submit a CV, covering letter, and research proposal to the Academic Jobs Online website: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/14932. Please indicate in your covering letter whether you want to be considered for observational or theoretical/computational positions or both.

To ensure full consideration complete applications, including references, need to be received by 13th December 2019.