Research Associate

Advert

Research Associate
Cardiff School of Physics and Astronomy

The Cardiff University Gravity Exploration Institute (http://www.astro.cardiff.ac.uk/research/gravity/) is seeking applications to fill the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate. One position is available at the Grade 6 level funded until 30th September 2025.
Cardiff has a long history of involvement in ground-based gravitational-wave physics, particularly in source modelling, data analysis, and astrophysical and cosmological interpretations (Stephen Fairhurst, Mark Hannam, Vivien Raymond, Patrick Sutton, Fabio Antonini), and instrument design and commissioning (Hartmut Grote, Katherine Dooley, Keiko Kokeyama).
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in any of these research areas.
This is a full-time post, fixed-term until 30 September 2025 and available immediately.

Salary: £39,347 - £44,263 per annum (Grade 6)

https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/jobs/what-we-can-offer/financial-benefits/pay-scales

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Steve Fairhurst [email protected], Mark Hannam [email protected], Kate Dooley [email protected]

For informal enquiries about working at Cardiff School of Physics and Astronomy please contact [email protected]

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable criteria. As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement.  Please ensure that the evidence you are providing, corresponds with the numbered criteria outlined in the person specification. Your application will be considered based on the information you provide under each criteria.

When attaching the supporting statement to your application, please ensure that you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance  17982BR

Cardiff University and the School of Physics and Astronomy are committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity. Our inclusive environment welcomes applications from talented people from diverse backgrounds. We strongly welcome female applicants and those from any ethnic minority group, as they are underrepresented in our School. The School of Physics & Astronomy has a Juno Champion accreditation and an Athena SWAN Silver award that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women and other minorities working in science. The University is committed to ensuring that we sustain a positive working environment for all staff to flourish and achieve. As part of this commitment, the University has developed a flexible and responsive framework of procedures to support staff in managing their work and personal commitments wherever possible. Applications are welcome from individuals who wish to work part-time or full time.

Interview date: Week commencing 4 March 2024.

Date advert posted: Thursday, 11 January 2024

Closing date: Friday, 16 February 2024

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

Job Description

Main Function

To conduct research within gravitational-wave astronomy and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research
⦁    To conduct research within gravitational-wave astronomy and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
⦁    To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
⦁    To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
⦁    To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
⦁    To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
⦁    To participate in School research activities.
⦁    To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions,   explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

Other
⦁    To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally  to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
⦁    To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
⦁    To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
⦁    Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria 

Qualifications and Education
1.    Postgraduate degree at PhD level in a related subject area or equivalent

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2.    An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
i.    Gravitational-wave source modelling and/or
ii.    Numerical relativity and/or
iii.    Gravitational-wave data analysis and/or
iv.    Astrophysics of compact binaries and/or
v.    Gravitational-wave detector instrumentation, including the design and/or commissioning of laser interferometers

3.    Knowledge of current status of research in gravitational-wave astronomy
4.    Proven ability to publish in international journals and present at international conferences
5.    Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies 

Communication and Team Working
6.    Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
7.    Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

Other
8.    Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
9.    Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria 

10.    Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School. 

Job Category

Academic - Research