Research Associate in Relativistic Gravity

The role

Applications are invited to a Postdoctoral Research Associate position, working on the X-ray properties of accreting super-massive black holes with Dr Andrew Young at the University of Bristol. The position is full-time open-ended contract, with current funding until 31^st March 2027. Starting salaries range from £37,999 to £43,878 per annum depending on previous experience. There are additionally funds for travel and computing equipment.

The successful candidate will sit in the Bristol Astrophysics Group which consists of around 40 researchers, students, and support staff. The group’s research spans a range of observational, numerical, and theoretical topics from exoplanets to extra-galactic astrophysics and cosmology. We are a diverse and friendly group and welcome all candidates with an interest in the study of accreting supermassive black holes.

What will you be doing?

The project is to study the spacetime and astrophysics around supermassive black holes by fitting numerical models to X-ray observations of active galactic nuclei. You will initially make use of archived data from the XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observatories. Using X-ray spectroscopy, you will model the accretion disc and corona geometry, and perform tests of general relativity in the strong field regime. You will make use of a new, flexible, open-source numerical model that we have developed allowing the exploration of arbitrary disc, corona, and spacetime geometries. Your spectroscopic fits will then be extended to include spectral-timing studies and in particular modelling X-ray reverberation time lags. This will allow you to measure black hole masses, explore the dynamics of the disc and corona, and model the effects of outflowing gas. You will lead and help write up, publish, and share these models and results with the community in an open, reproducible way, including presentations at international conferences.

You should apply if

We encourage applications from those interested in the analysis of X-ray observations of accreting supermassive black holes in active galactic. It is expected that the applicant will have a PhD (or that their viva/defence is already scheduled) prior to starting the position. 

Please submit a cover letter describing how your skills and experience have prepared you for this role, a cv, and research statement including information on previous and current work (the research statement, and cover letter should be no more than 2 pages each). Please also provide information for two referees who can comment on your research record and potential.

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding until 31/03/2027

Work pattern: 35 hours per week

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 24/01/2025

Interviews are anticipated to take place on 03/02/2025

For informal queries, please contact: Andrew Young (Andy.Young@bristol.ac.uk)

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The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

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