Research Fellow

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874. Grade 7

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to March 2028

The Astrophysics and Space Research group at the University of Birmingham (UK) invites applications for a 3-year postdoc position in theoretical high-energy astrophysics. This position will focus on the modelling of tidal disruption events and their potential to study supermassive black holes, as part of the ERC Starting Grant project “Unleash-TDEs” led by Clément Bonnerot.

Located at the heart of the beautiful campus of the University of Birmingham, the Astrophysics and Space Research group provides a vibrant and diverse research environment with expertise in areas such as theoretical and observational extragalactic astrophysics and gravitational-wave astronomy (for a full list of group members, see: https://www.sr.bham.ac.uk/whoswho.php).

We are especially looking for candidates with interest and experience in the theoretical study of high-energy astrophysical systems, particularly making use of simulations. The hired postdoc will primarily focus on the modelling of tidal disruption events, but will also be encouraged to gain independence and pursue their own ideas on related topics. The research work will primarily be in collaboration with Clément Bonnerot, and benefit from the support of a team of local and international partners involved in the project.

The position comes with a generous allowance to cover travels to conferences and research visits, and guaranteed access to the university’s high-performance supercomputer BlueBEAR. Additionally, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to supervise students, acquire teaching experience, participate in outreach activities, organize international meetings, and get any support or training needed for their personal and career development.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc

Person Specification

• PhD (or one near to completion) in physics, astrophysics, mathematics, computer science or related subjects
• Expertise in the theoretical study of high-energy astrophysical systems (preferably tidal disruption events) by means of hydrodynamics simulations, including effects such as radiation transport, magnetic fields, and general relativity
• High level analytical capability

The application deadline is on 5th January 2025. The successful applicant would nominally start in April 2025, but the date can be negotiated if needed.

Applications must include a CV, a full list of publications, and a statement of research interests and plans (2 pages maximum). Please also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent by email to Nicola Holloway (n.holloway@bham.ac.uk) by the application deadline.

Informal enquiries to Clément Bonnerot c.a.bonnerot@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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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.

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