Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

This new full time post is available from April 2024 on a fixed term basis for up to 3 years.

Summary of the role

The University of Exeter is recruiting either a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to work with Prof. Matthew Bate in the Astrophysics Group at the University of Exeter, and in collaboration with Prof. Rob Crain at Liverpool John Moores University.  The appointee will work at the interface between star formation and galaxy formation, using numerical simulations of star cluster formation to predict how environment and initial conditions may produce different stellar initial mass functions (IMFs) and/or conducting simulations of galaxy formation to explore how variable IMFs may help to explain observed galaxy properties throughout cosmic time (e.g. the observed mass-to-light ratios of early-type galaxies, and the luminosities of high-redshift galaxies discovered using the JWST).  The successful applicant may also be able to work with and co-supervise PhD, Masters and summer students.

The Astrophysics group is one of the largest groups in the UK studying stars and planets, with around 50 staff and PhD students contributing to a wide variety of observational, theoretical and numerical programmes. Among its academic staff active in star-formation research are Prof Matthew Bate, Prof Clare Dobbs, Prof Tim Harries, Dr Jenny Hatchell, Prof Sasha Hinkley, Prof Stefan Kraus, Dr Sebastiaan Krijt, Dr Sebastian Marino and Prof Tim Naylor.

This STFC-funded post available from April 2024 for up to three years.

About you

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion for Associate) or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study.  The successful candidate is likely to have experience in one or more of: experience in performing and analysing hydrodynamical simulations of star formation or simulations of galaxy formation including baryonic physics (e.g. the interstellar medium and star formation), code development experience in astrophysical fluid dynamical methods (e.g. smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH), grid-based, or variable mesh methods), stellar population synthesis, comparison of baryonic galaxy formation simulations to observations.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024).  We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today.  More than 99% of our research is of international quality and 47% is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. 

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

Further information

Please contact Matthew Bate, e-mail [email protected] .