Research Assistant/Associate in Astrophysics

Company description:

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Job description:

Salary: 

Research Assistant: £32,296 to £33,882 per annum

Research Associate: £34,866 to £37,999 per annum 

The Role

We invite applications for a Research Assistant/Associate position in Astrophysics. The project will focus on developing state-of-the-art X-ray reverberation mapping models, that also calculate X-ray polarization, to probe stellar-mass black holes in X-ray binary systems

The position is funded by the ERC Consolidator Grant project X-MAPS (X-ray Measurements of Accreting black holes with Polarimetric-Spectral-timing techniques) and will be supervised by Dr Adam Ingram at Newcastle University. The wider Newcastle group has expertise in compact objects, active galactic nuclei, stars, cosmology, and magneto-hydrodynamics.

The role involves upgrading the X-ray reverberation mapping model RELTRANS to account for an extended corona, to calculate the X-ray polarization signal, and to include advanced accretion disk physics. Applications are particularly welcome from candidates with experience in theoretical modelling of accreting black holes and/or candidates with observational experience in stochastic X-ray timing and X-ray polarimetry.

The position is 3 year fixed term  in duration with possibility for extension pending future funding.

The role is full time hours (37 per week) and an estimated start date of early-October 2025. Start dates and flexible working are negotiable.

To apply, please complete the online application by uploading a CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should outline, in two pages or less, how your experience meets the criteria as set out in the person specification and interests are suitable for the post. Short-listing will take place as soon as possible after the application submission deadline.

For informal enquiries about this vacancy, please contact Dr Adam Ingram (adam.ingram@newcastle.ac.uk).

For further details about School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics, please click here

Full Information about Newcastle University can be found here.

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