Postdoctoral Research Associate in Multiwavelength/Multimessenger Astronomy and Citizen Science

About the Role

The School of Physical Sciences at the Open University, UK, invites applications for a 27-month fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Associate in multi-wavelength/multi-messenger astronomy and citizen science. The postdoctoral researcher will work with Professor Stephen Serjeant on research funded Horizon Europe project Astrophysics Center for Multimessenger studies in Europe, or ACME, and by the Horizon-funded ELSA project, Euclid Legacy Science Advanced analysis tools. The work will involve creating crowdsourced data mining and/or data collection to support the science goals the ESA Euclid space telescope and of major European multi-wavelength and multi-messenger astronomy facilities. 

Key Responsibility

• Leading the creation and scientific execution of crowdsourced data mining experiments in support of ACME's multi-messenger and multi-wavelength astronomy and of the ESA Euclid mission's slitless spectroscopy programme.
• Assisting in the coordination and training of non-specialist communities in follow-up data collection for multi-messenger astronomy.
• Leading scientific publications related to research outcomes.
• Working with and providing support for PhD students in extragalactic astronomy.
• Disseminating the research at major national and international conferences.
• Developing an independent research profile by leading and/or coordinating work within international consortia and collaborations.

All Staff are expected to:

• Co-operate with the Open University in ensuring as far as is necessary, that Statutory Requirements, Codes of Practice, University Policies and Departmental Health and Safety arrangements are complied with.
• Have a strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and diversity.
• Attend /complete appropriate staff development events / courses.

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics or a related field.
• Experience analysing and interpreting astronomical data mining derived from citizen science experiments.
• Experience working with and analyzing datasets delivered by large astronomical surveys or astroparticle physics projects.
• Experience using the Python programming language for scientific data processing and analysis.
• A strong record of research and/or knowledge exchange that is commensurate to the position.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications in international journals. 
• Time management and project planning skills.
• The ability to present your research effectively, both orally and in scientific writing.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse team.

Desirable:

• Experience working with and analysing multi-messenger and/or multiwavelength data.
• Experience in applying machine learning models to astronomical data.

Please click 'Apply’ button above to be redirected to our application page.

To apply for this role please submit the following;

CV and Supporting Statement, up to 1,000 words. You should set out in your statement why you’re interested in this role and provide examples of where your skills and experience meet the required competencies for this role as detailed in the above essential and desirable criteria. 

Closing Date: Friday 22nd November 2024

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