Research Associate

Advert

Research Associate
School of Physics and Astronomy

Title: Research Associate in Machine Learning for Gravitational-Wave 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 in machine learning for gravitational-wave astronomy.

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, B. Sathyaprakash, Bernard Schutz, Patrick Sutton, Fabio Antonini), instrument design and commissioning (Hartmut Grote, Kate Dooley, Keiko Kokeyama), electromagnetic followup of gravitational-wave events (Cosimo Inserra), and education and public outreach (Chris North). 

The successful applicant will lead the development of Cardiff’s machine-learning pipeline for the low-latency detection of generic gravitational-wave transient signals in data from the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA network. Candidates with experience in using machine learning techniques in gravitational-wave astronomy are encouraged to apply.

The position is full-time, fixed-term for 2 years and available immediately.

Salary: £34,304 - £40,927 per annum (Grade 6)

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Prof. Patrick Sutton ([email protected]). For informal enquiries about working at Cardiff University School of Physics and Astronomy please contact Courtney Watkins ([email protected]).

Date advert posted: Thursday, 6 January 2022

Closing date: Thursday, 3 February 2022 

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: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/research/our-research-environment/integrity-and-ethics/responsible-research-assessment”

Job Description

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 prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
⦁    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 (or nearing completion / submission) in gravitational-wave astronomy or a related subject area or relevant industrial experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2.    An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
i.    analysis of large data sets (such as data from the LIGO, Virgo, KAGRA or GEO600 detectors) with machine learning techniques

3.    Knowledge of current status of research in gravitational-wave astronomy

4.    Proven ability to publish in international journals.

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. 

Additional Information

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. 

Job Category

Academic - Research