Postdoctoral Research Associate (Astronomy)

Salary is £40,839 to £48,003 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.

Post Overview:

Applications are invited for the post of a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Astronomy Group as part of the STFC Small Astronomy project “INTIME: Inferring the timing properties of neutron stars with hierarchical profile-domain timing” led by Dr Greg Ashton.

The successful candidate will join Royal Holloway’s Astronomy Group and conduct research activities related to pulsar astronomy. The primary aim will be the development of a new hierarchical framework for profile-domain timing, but a wide range of activities in this broad area will be encouraged. The successful applicant is expected to help produce independent and original research within Royal Holloway’s Centre for Particle Physics and Astronomy, submit publications to refereed journals, and work with and help supervise BSc, MSci, and PhD students.

The successful applicant will have a PhD in Astrophysics, Theoretical Physics, or a related discipline and prior experience relevant to one or more of the following research disciplines: (i) neutron star astrophysics or (ii) radio pulsar astronomy. It is also desirable if the post holder has experience in the development of production-quality software, the application of Simulation-Based Inference, and strong communication skills.

This is a full-time post, available from 1 July 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter for a fixed-term period of 3 years at Royal Holloway, University of London.

In return we offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Training and Development opportunities
• Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution
• Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing.
• Free parking

The post is based in Egham, Surrey where the University is situated in a beautiful, leafy campus near to Windsor Great Park and within commuting distance from London.

For more information see the detailed job description and person specification.  

For an informal discussion about the post, please feel free to contact:

Dr Greg Ashton by emailing gregory.ashton@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: 0425-076

Closing Date:  23:59, 1 May 2025

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Royal Holloway is committed to equality and diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community. Read here about structures and initiatives around equality and diversity, including information on staff diversity networks.

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