Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Astronomy Group

Department of Physics

Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Astronomy Group

Full-Time, Fixed-Term (24 months)

Starting Salary is £40,839 per annum inclusive of London Allowance*

*This is the expected starting salary for this post. However, appointment at a higher point may be made for candidates who demonstrate exceptional skills and experience relevant to the role.

Applications are invited for the post of a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Astronomy Group as part of the initial hiring process for the recently awarded UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project “Revealing the secrets of neutron-star interiors with AI and the SKA” led by Dr Vanessa Graber.

The successful candidate will join Royal Holloway’s Astronomy Group and conduct research on radio observations of neutron stars. This post will specifically focus on analysing radio pulsar timing data, specifically timing noise and pulsar glitches, and combine time-domain radio astronomy with machine learning and scientific software development to build a new framework for analysing pulsar glitches. For this project, the post holder will have access to state-of-the-art computing facilities and collaborate with experienced Co-Is at Royal Holloway’s Computer Science Department and UCL’s Advanced Research Computing Centre as well as Project Partners at the Universities of Manchester, Tasmania, and Tübingen.

The successful applicant will have a PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a related discipline as well as prior experience with time-domain radio astronomy and/or relevant theory. Existing experience with machine learning would be an asset. The post holder will also have strong communication skills and a keen interest in interdisciplinary research.

RHUL offers an extensive rewards and benefits package including generous annual leave as well as a wide variety of training and development opportunities specifically tailored to Early Career Researchers. Additional training initiatives will also be offered as part of the FLF project.

RHUL recognises the importance of helping its employees balance their work and home life by offering flexible working arrangements. The University and the Department of Physics are further committed to creating a positive and inclusive environment. We, for example, host a variety of initiatives to support our students and staff. Equality, diversity, and inclusion will also be central to the work of the FLF project team, which the successful candidate will become a part of.

This is a full-time post, available from 1 October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter for a fixed-term period of 2 years at RHUL with the possibility of a one-year extension following this initial period, subject to performance and funding availability.

Interested applicants will need to complete an online application form including a set of supporting statements, upload a CV of no more than 3 pages including a list of publications, and provide names of two referees. Reference letters will only be requested for short-listed candidates.

For an informal discussion about the post, please feel free to contact Dr Vanessa Graber by emailing vanessa.graber@rhul.ac.uk.

For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at recruitment@rhul.ac.uk.

Please quote the reference: 1224-362

Closing Date:  23:59, 28 February 2025

Interview Date: Interviews will take place remotely w/c 31 March 2025

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