Post Doctoral Fellow in Gravitational Wave Astronomy - Physics and Astronomy - 99129

Position Details

Physics and Astronomy

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £31,406 to £40,927, with potential progression once in post to £43,434 

Grade 7

Full Time

Fixed term contract for up to 3 years

Closing date - 30th March, 2022

Job Summary

The Institute of Gravitational Wave Astronomy and School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham invite applications for a 3-year post-doctoral position in gravitational wave astronomy with a focus on pulsar timing array observations.

The successful candidate will work on the analysis of pulsar timing data sets to search for gravitational waves and on the interpretation of the results in the context of astrophysics and fundamental physics.

They are expected to have a PhD in physics, astronomy or related subject areas and experience in gravitational-wave data analysis and astrophysics.

The appointment will be initially for three years starting earliest on April 1st, 2022. The position comes with a generous research and travel budget.

The Institute provides a vibrant and diverse environment with expertise across key areas of gravitational-wave physics: From theoretical to experimental gravitational-wave research, with applications to present and future-generation detectors, theoretical astrophysics, data analysis, transient astronomy, gravitational-wave source modelling including numerical relativity, and general relativity theory. Institute members play important roles in the GEO Collaboration, the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the LISA Consortium and the European and International Pulsar Timing Array collaborations.

Role Purpose

•    To create and disseminate knowledge through initiating and conducting original research, through publication of journal articles and contributions to scientific conferences.
•    To enhance, complement and expand the research activities of the Institute.

Main Responsibilities

•    To pursue personal research including developing research ideas and winning support, including financial support
•    To plan, publish and/or execute high quality research
•    To project manage research activities, and/or supervise other research staff
•    To present findings in high quality publications and conference proceedings
•    To develop novel methodologies and techniques appropriate to the type of research being pursued
•    To provide expert advice to colleagues and students within discipline
•    To develop and make substantial contributions to public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University
•    To contribute to some administrative activities within the University, typically relating to research
•    To apply knowledge in a way that develops new intellectual understanding

Scope of the Role

•    To initiate and conduct original research which has measurable outcomes and is reflected in international reputation
•    To plan, design and co-ordinate research activities and programmes
•    To contribute to the development of research strategies
•    To publish results of own research
•    To contribute to the supervision of PhD students
•    To develop and make substantial contributions to public engagement activities, widening participation, schools outreach or similar activities at Department/School level or further within the University 

Person Specification

•    PhD in astronomy or physics or relevant disciplines
•    Extensive research experience and scholarship within subject specialism
•    Experience and achievement reflected in a growing international reputation 
•    Extensive experience and demonstrated success in planning, undertaking and project managing research to deliver high quality results
•    Extensive experience of applying and/or developing and devising successful models, techniques and methods
•    Experience and achievement in public engagement
•    Ability to mentor, assist and guide research directions of PhD and/or undergraduate students

Informal enquiries can be made to Alberto Vecchio - [email protected]

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working