Research Associate

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Vacancy terms: Full time or job share considered, Fixed term for 3 years

Salary details: Grade 7, £36,386 to £42,155 per annum (pro rata)

Hours per week: 37.5

Advert closes midnight on: 19 Mar 2023

About the role

The Astrophysics Group at the University of Leicester invites applications for a 3-year University Research Associate position in Time-Domain Observational Astrophysics aimed primarily at exploiting data from the soon to be launched SVOM and Einstein Probe missions. The position is available from 1 August 2023 and is funded for 3 years from the start date.

The end of 2023 will see the launch of two new spacecraft designed to study high energy astrophysical transients: SVOM and Einstein Probe. The primary goals of the research fellowship are to exploit the data from SVOM and Einstein Probe, to investigate the nature of high-energy transients, particularly gamma-ray bursts, and to observe and interpret the electromagnetic counterparts of gravitational wave sources. We are therefore particularly interested in candidates with expertise in the science underlying these sources, and observational studies of astrophysical transients. However, applicants with a strong background in other relevant fields of astrophysics are also encouraged to apply.

You will be expected to carry out independent and collaborative research for this project, and will also have opportunities to collaborate more widely within the Astrophysics Group.

About you

For this research position, you should be educated to PhD level or equivalent in Astronomy or Astrophysics, or a closely related subject area. This should include demonstrable research experience and skills relevant to the area of high-energy observations of astrophysical transients. Evidence of experience in presenting results at national & international meetings will also be key.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcomed, and should be directed to Paul O'Brien at [email protected] .

Applications for job share will be considered.

Interview dates will be confirmed after the advert closure date.

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.