Post-doctoral Research Fellow – Chemodynamical Evolution of the Milky Way

Post Title: Post-doctoral Research Fellow – Chemodynamical Evolution of the Milky Way

SBU/Department: School of Physics Engineering and Computer Science / Department of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics / Centre for Astrophysics Research (CAR)

FTE: 1.0 (37 hours per week)

Duration of Contract: Fixed term (36 months)

Salary: UH7 £37,099 to £44,263 pa by annual increments on achieving designated skills and experience

Annual Leave: 35 days plus standard public holidays and an additional 4 days including the closure of our office between Christmas and New Year

Location: College Lane campus, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Main duties and responsibilities

Applications are invited for a 36-month postdoctoral position, to lead and publish original scientific investigations in the area of theoretical or observational astrophysics of stars and galaxies. A focus will be to use chemical abundances of stars, in order to understand the origin of elements and the evolution of galaxies.

The successful applicant will use theoretical, chemodynamical simulations of Milky Way-type galaxies to interpret the Galactic archaeology survey observations of the Local Group (including the Milky Way Galaxy and the Andromeda Galaxy M31), as well as those of very-nearby galaxies with James Webb Space Telescope. You will work with Professor Chiaki Kobayashi and her group, who have been running cosmological and zoom-in simulations of galaxies incorporating her nucleosynthesis yields. DiRAC high performance computing facility will be available as well as the UH local cluster and data storage. The project also plans to include the effects of binary stars, in collaboration with Dr. Robert Izzard at University of Surrey, under the UK-wide network on nuclear astrophysics BRIDGCE (BRIdge the Disciplines related to the Galactic Chemical Evolution, https://www.bridgce.ac.uk).

You will also be expected to regularly contribute to a positive and productive working atmosphere within the Centre for Astrophysics Research (CAR), by contributing to institute seminars, journal clubs, group meetings, etc. that make CAR (and UH in general) a vibrant and dynamic place to work.

The post – one of 8 new STFC-funded postdoctoral positions awarded to CAR as a result of the STFC Astronomy Grants scheme (2023) – is available from 01 April 2024 and the successful candidate will ideally be in post as soon as possible, and no later than 01 October 2024.

Skill and experience required

You will have a track record of research in a relevant area of expertise in observational or theoretical astrophysics. You will also have a record of submitting/publishing scientific research in leading astronomical journals, presenting your work at scientific conferences, workshops or seminars.

You will ideally have some experience of working on hydrodynamical simulations of galaxies, spectroscopic surveys of stars, or the evolution of single and binary stars.

Qualifications required

Minimum of a first degree (or equivalent qualification), or higher qualification in a relevant discipline as well as a PhD (or equivalent qualification) or must have been approved for the award, or equivalent experience.

Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria.Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification.

An appointment to this role may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: For more information or to discuss the post, please contact Professor Chiaki Kobayashi [email protected]

Closing Date: 02 February 2024

Interview Date: Week commencing 19 February 2024 (TBC)

Reference Number: 056016

Date advert placed: 20 December 2023

Applications should be submitted online via the recruitment website and should be accompanied by PDF versions of a CV, a list of publications, and a personal statement/cover letter (maximum two sides of A4 paper) explaining your motivation for applying, summarizing your research interests and what you would bring to the position (in reference to the Person Specification). Finally, you must also include the contact details of two referees willing to write on your behalf.

The Astrophysics group is part of the Department of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics, and is a thriving research group of ~60 academic staff, research fellows and postgraduate students. The department takes pride in the diversity of its staff and holds both an IoP Juno Champion and an Athena-Swan Silver award. We encourage applications from all individuals meeting our essential criteria, irrespective of gender or membership of underrepresented groups. The UH vision is to transform lives and UH is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and building a diverse community. UH offers a range of employee benefits including generous annual leave and discounted Sports Village memberships, personal and professional development, a flexible location policy, and family-friendly policies. #GoHerts

A standard package of benefits will be provided, including funding for travel and equipment expenses.