Job Description - Postdoctoral Research Associate in Galactic and Extragalactic Astronomy (24002233)
Department of Physics
Fixed Term - Full Time
Contract Duration: 6 months
Working Arrangements: This role is full time but we will consider requests for flexible working arrangements including potential job shares.
Closing Date
19-Jan-2025, 11:59:00 PM
Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.
Durham University is one of the world's top universities with strengths across the Arts and Humanities, Sciences and Social Sciences. We are home to some of the most talented scholars and researchers from around the world who are tackling global issues and making a difference to people's lives.
The University sits in a beautiful historic city where it shares ownership of a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Durham Cathedral, the greatest Romanesque building in Western Europe.
The Department of Physics at Durham University is one of the leading UK Physics departments with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students.
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.
The Role
One post is available, funded by the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), to start in October 2025. The post is for 6 months with the possibility for further extension. The successful candidate will join thriving research teams within the Institute for Computational Cosmology (ICC) at Durham.
We are particularly interested in candidates with research interests in the following areas:
* Cosmological simulations — from planetary scales upwards
* Cosmic structure formation — nonlinear dynamics of stellar and dark matter orbits
* Galaxy formation and galaxy-halo connection
* The Milky Way, galactic dynamics and near-field cosmology
* Properties of the intergalactic medium, spatially resolved and multi-wavelength studies of galaxies and star formation
Responsibilities:
* To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
* To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
* To engage with the ICC and the wider astronomy group, and attend group activities where appropriate.
* To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer-reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
* To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
* To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
* To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
* To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
* To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
* To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
* To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
* To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
* To contribute to fostering a collegial working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
* To engage in citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
* To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.
* To communicate and collaborate with the industrial collaborators.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* A good first degree in Physics, Astronomy or a related subject.
* A PhD (or be close to submission) in Astronomy, Cosmology or a related subject.
Experience
* Experience in conducting high quality academic research.
* Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals.
* Demonstrable ability to present research papers at international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.
* Demonstrable ability to collaborate with industrial partners.
* Knowledge, or willingness to learn, of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure fair and equal treatment.
* Experience of overseeing students with respect to the development of their practical/research skills e.g. acting as a demonstrator; supervising student projects/practicals.
* Experience of supercomputing and/or cosmological simulations/observations and their data analysis.
Skills
* Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
* Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long-term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.
If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to support you in the application process, please get in touch with us on e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk
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