Postdoctoral Research Associate

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed-term: for 3 years

Applicants are invited for a postdoctoral research associate on modelling the evolution of massive black holes in the context of their host galaxy, to work with Dr Ricarda Beckmann at the Institute for Astronomy, which is part of the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh. Applicants with a strong background in galaxy evolution, particularly with cosmological galaxy formation simulations, would be at a particular advantage.

The Opportunity:

The goal of this position is to advance our understanding of black hole and galaxy coevolution. The candidate will join a growing research group that uses cosmological simulations to understand the evolution of black holes in and around galaxies, particularly in low-mass galaxies and the early Universe, and to unveil the spin evolution of black holes across cosmic time. The successful candidate will work with Dr Beckmann on a variety of projects in these areas, depending on their research experience and interest. Additionally, the applicant would also be encouraged to develop a robust science program of their own. The position is generously funded by Dr Beckmann’s UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship grant and the successful candidate will be encouraged to collaborate closely with other group members as well as travelling widely to promote their research.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

This post is fixed term for 3 years.

The salary for this post is £40,247-£47,874 per annum.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• PhD (or near completion) in a galax evolution related area.
• Excellent programming skills, particularly in Python but helpfully also in C/Fortran or similar.
• Record of high-quality lead-author and co-authored refereed journal publications (relative to career stage).
• Capable of working independently, exercising a high degree of initiative, and with the ability to think creatively.
• Good timekeeping and time-management, with effective prioritisation of tasks.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly, both orally and in writing.
• [Desirable:] Experience of working with galaxy scale or cosmological simulations.

Application Information

Please ensure you include the following documents in your application:

• CV
• A research proposal (2 pages)

The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336. Is e buidheann carthannais a th’ ann an Oilthigh Dhùn Èideann, clàraichte an Alba, àireamh clàraidh SC005336.

Advert information