Postdoctoral research assistant in cosmological simulations of star cluster formation and evolution

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position in cosmological simulations of star cluster formation and evolution, to work with Prof. Robert Crain at the Astrophysics Research Institute (ARI) of Liverpool John Moores University, in collaboration with Prof. Matthew Bate at the Astrophysics Group of the University of Exeter.

The goal of this STFC-funded project, at the interface of star formation and galaxy formation, is to develop new subgrid models of the formation and evolution of massive star clusters, to be implemented within the SWIFT simulation code as a component of cutting edge cosmological hydrodynamical simulations of the galaxy population. The project will entail the execution and analysis of large simulations on national supercomputing facilities.  

Applicants should have a PhD in astronomy/astrophysics or a closely related field by the starting date. Candidates are sought with experience of code development for numerical astrophysics simulations on high performance computing facilities. A specific interest in the formation and evolution of galaxies and their star clusters would be advantageous.   

The ARI is one of the largest and most active astrophysics groups in the UK, with specific expertise in star formation, stellar evolution, time-domain astrophysics, galaxy formation, cosmology, and the development of new instrumentation and technology. The institute hosts a large group of leading experts in numerical astrophysics. The applicant will have access to LJMU’s powerful central HPC facility, and access to national scale HPC facilities through the DiRAC network.

The post is available from April 2024 for up to three years. To apply, please upload a CV, publication list, contact information for two reference providers, and a brief statement of research interests, through LJMU's vacancies webpage (see link provided).

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed by email to Prof. Robert Crain ([email protected] ).

We are committed to achieving equality of opportunity, and we value the diversity of our staff and students. We see diversity as a positive force to generate excellent research and we  strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply.