Research Fellow, Astronomy Group

Astronomy Group

Location:  Highfield Campus
Salary:   £34,980 to £39,347
Full Time Fixed Term
Closing Date:  Thursday 15 February 2024
Interview Date:   To be confirmed
Reference:  2590124WF

The Astronomy Group of the University of Southampton's School of Physics & Astronomy invites you to join our team working with Dr Matthew Middleton on a project to search for instances of self-lensing by black holes and neutron stars in large optical surveys. As part of this work, you will have the opportunity to collaborate in exciting cutting-edge science, applying time-series analysis techniques to optical survey data, use new data, and take the lead on new citizen science projects.

It is essential you hold a PhD or equivalent professional qualifications in astronomy, astrophysics, or a related discipline, have experience in computational techniques for handling large data-sets, and preferably experience in time-series analysis or observational astronomy in the optical band.

The Southampton Astronomy Group provides a collegial environment with many opportunities to collaborate with other group members. Our main research themes are compact objects and time-domain astrophysics. The position will provide you with some time and resources to explore and develop independent research.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is central to the ethos in Physics and Astronomy. We particularly encourage women, Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME), LGBT and disabled applicants to apply for this position.  We are strongly committed to diversity in both the academic and student population, and in recognition we were awarded an Athena SWAN Silver award in 2022 and the Institute of Physics Project Juno Champion status in 2019. Physics and Astronomy gives full consideration to applicants that wish to work flexibly, including part-time, and due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy*, and onsite childcare facilities. For further information please visit https://www.phys.soton.ac.uk/EqualityandDiversity

The University of Southampton is in the top 1% of world universities and in the top 10 of the UK’s research-intensive universities. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and being a globally responsible university and has recently been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.  Our vision is to embed the principles of sustainability into all aspects of our individual and collective work, integrating sustainable development into our business planning, policy-making, and professional activities.

This position is available from 1st April 2024, with start dates possible up to October 1st 2024. The position is for two years in the first instance, with renewal for a third year dependent on funding. 

If you are interested, please apply via the university’s job portal. Applications submitted by the closing date will receive full consideration, but the position remains open until filled. Your application should consist of a CV, publication list, and a brief statement of relevant research experience (2 pages maximum). Please upload all documents as one pdf file. Two letters of reference are required with contact details to be provided on application (letter requests will be sent automatically by the application system as required).

Informal inquiries are particularly welcome. Please contact Dr Matthew Middleton [email protected]

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification.  The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD.  Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.