Herchel Smith Research Fellowship - Extreme Universe: Physics, Institute of Astronomy, Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, (Fixed Term)

We welcome applications from researchers in the fields of either astronomy, physics, applied mathematics or theoretical physics that relate to one of our strategic research themes: 'Extreme Universe': https://www.physsci.cam.ac.uk/research

The Managers of the Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Research Fellowships Fund invite applications for up to two Fellowships which would be held in Department in the School of Physical Sciences (SPS) and at the University of Cambridge from 1 October 2025 (or otherwise by negotiation). Fellows are required to pursue their research on a full-time basis in Cambridge. Fellowships are available for up to three years and provide an opportunity for independent research, although the holders will usually work in close collaboration with established research groups in one of the Departments in the School.

The Fellows will be able to undertake their research in the following departments:

• Physics
• Institute of Astronomy
• DAMTP ' Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics

The Fellowship stipend will be on the University's Postdoctoral Research Associate scale, currently between £36,024-£44,263 per annum, with an annual research allowance of up to £15,000.

In accordance with Dr Smith's will, candidature is limited to candidates who have obtained their PhD degree, or equivalent, within the last three years at any university but excluding Cambridge and Harvard.

Candidates are advised to consult the relevant Department and/or other resources to ensure their proposal is appropriately related to the group they wish to join, and to identify and contact a member of faculty suitable to host the project several weeks before the application deadline date.

All applications, including required documents and references will need to be submitted online through the University's recruitment system. Any submitted application that does not include ALL of the following content required below will not be considered for the Fellowship:

1. Host Support Letter: Each candidate is required to submit a letter from an SPS Department that outlines their willingness to host and support the candidate's research during the Fellowship. Candidates are advised to contact the relevant Head of Department, a minimum of two weeks prior to submission, with a copy of their submission and a statement from the member of faculty who has agreed to host the candidate and their project. A Host Support Letter will then be supplied by the Head of Department.

2. Research project summary: One page summary of your proposed project, including the name of the SPS Department which you hope to join.

3. Research project description: A detailed description (maximum of 4 pages) of the proposed project. You are advised to consult the relevant member of academic staff and / or other resources to ensure that your proposal is appropriately related to the group which you hope to join.

4. Curriculum vitae: Maximum of 3 pages outlining academic career, qualifications and full list of publications to date; please include hyperlinks of 3 best publications (not full copies).

5. References: Contact details of 2 referees, neither of whom should be the host PI. The completed references will be required to submitted with the application by 15 December 2024. Please ensure that selected referees are fully contactable throughout the process. Upon submission of your application, referees will be directly contacted to request that they upload a reference for you on the University's online recruitment system.

More information about the School of Physical Sciences and its Departments can be found on the Schools' websites:  Schools Physical Sciences.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

Closing date for applications:  15 December 2024

Successful candidates will be contacted by: first week of February 2025

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

For all enquiries, please contact Herchel Smith Fund: herchelsmith@admin.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference AK43992 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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