Research Associate in Galaxy Formation and Evolution (Fixed Term)

Department/Location: Department of Physics, West Cambridge

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 March 2028 in the first instance. 

The Astrophysics Group of the Department of Physics and the Kavli Institute for Cosmology, University of Cambridge, invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in support of activities related to the group's programme on the formation and evolution of galaxies and black holes. The Astrophysics Group and the Kavli Institute for Cosmology conduct a broad programme of astrophysics research involving instrumentation, observation, theory and modelling. Most relevant to this post, the team led by Prof Roberto Maiolino and Dr Sandro Tacchella exploits a variety of multi-band data on nearby and distant galaxies, obtained from various observing facilities and surveys, including ALMA, ESO-VLT, JWST NIRSpec and NIRCam GTO and GO programmes, and, soon, with MOONS@VLT. The group also uses extensive cosmological simulations and theoretical models for comparison with observational data. 

The successful applicant is expected to work in collaboration with the team led by Prof. Roberto Maiolino and Dr Sandro Tacchella on the analysis and interpretation of observational data (especially from some of the facilities discussed above) to investigate the physical processes driving the formation and evolution of galaxies and black holes, also through comparison with cosmological simulations. 

Further information on the research activities of the Kavli Institute and of the team can be found at: 

https://www.kicc.cam.ac.uk

https://www.robertomaiolino.net

https://www.tacchella.space 

Applicants should have a PhD in Astronomy or Astrophysics or a closely related discipline; those who have not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant. They should have a proven track record in research in astrophysics. The candidate must be experienced with astronomical data analysis and interpretation and familiar with software packages for data analysis. 

Starting date: April 2025 (flexible) 

Research Associate: £36,024 - £44,263 (Grade 7). Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 - £32,982) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award. 

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the apply button above. 

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a Statement of Research Interests (two pages maximum), in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date. 

Please be advised that references will be required in advance of interviews, for longlisted candidates. 

If you have any questions about this vacancy please contact Prof. Roberto Maiolino (rm665@cam.ac.uk). If you have any questions about the application process, please contact mott.hr@phy.cam.ac.uk. 

Please quote reference KA43615 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy. 

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. 

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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