Research Assistant/Associate in Astrophysics and Cosmology

Salary:

Research Assistant: £31,396 to £32,982 per annum

Research Associate: £33,966 to £44,263 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 07 October 2024

The Role

Following recent success in securing a Royal Society funded ISPF grant in collaboration with Dr. Marika Asgari at Newcastle University (UK) Dr. Jingjing Shi at Kavli IPMU (WPI), The University of Tokyo (Japan), we are seeking a Research Assistant / Research Associate  to join us on this joint exciting journey. 
 
The research is focused on the modelling and measurements of intrinsic alignments of galaxies for weak gravitational lensing surveys and you will be given access to multiple surveys, including Vera C. Rubin Observatory (LSST), Euclid, Subaru HSC and PFS. We are keen to hear from applicants who have a keen interest in pursuing their own related projects within this topic.  
 
We are looking for candidates who have a strong background in astrophysics and cosmology, with experience of analysing/or modelling of data from probes of large-scale structures, in particular, weak gravitational lensing and/or intrinsic alignments.  
 
This position is full time (37 hours) and fixed term, available with an immediate start for a period of 2 years with the possibility of a further one-year extension. The role requires you to work and be based both at Newcastle University and the University of Tokyo, with the expectation that you will start employment at Newcastle University for the first part. 
 
To be part of this exciting opportunity, please complete an online application and upload a CV (which is inclusive of a list of publications) and letter of application which outlines specific examples of how you can evidence the knowledge, skills and experience of the person specification, along with an annotated bibliography.  For the annotated bibliography please include a short description of how your most relevant publications (up to 5) connect to the research aims of this post and your contribution to them (maximum 200 words per publication). 

The online form will ask for details of two referees. To comply with University of Tokyo's required checks, please supply details of three referees in your CV

Salary for the 2nd phased of the project while based in Japan to be discussed on appointment but expected to be JPY(6M-7M/year)*1.16.  
 
Please be advised that the application files will be shared between the search committee at Newcastle University and Kavli IPMU, but will not be distributed outside of the committee. 
 
For enquiries about this opportunity please contact marika.asgari@newcastle.ac.uk and jingjing.shi@ipmu.jp   

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles.  These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Key Accountabilities
•    Conduct research in the relevant topics to the research funding as described above
•    Present outputs of the research from the research team in written and oral form
•    Work with the full research team and the wider collaborators requiring travel across the world
•    Contribute to the positive culture and general strengths of the research groups and the institutes; for example, through supervision of project students, participation in outreach, leading initiatives to promote Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), and organising/ participating in research events
•    Any other duties that may be required from time to time, commensurate with the grade of the post

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience  
•    A track record of high-quality research outputs related to the goals of the project (e.g., publications, software, research tools etc.)
•    A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career
•    Experience in analysing and/or modelling of data from the probes of large-scale structures, in particular weak gravitational lensing and/or intrinsic alignments
•    Good data management and analytical skills, with the ability to work methodically and accurately in designing, executing and writing up research independently
Desirable
Demonstrable experience in any of the following is desirable: 
•    Analysing and working with simulated data, in particular from hydrodynamical simulations 
•    Developing/utilising the Halo Model formalism 
•    Direct IA measurements or modelling 
•    Beyond 2-point analysis or modelling 

Attributes and Behaviour 
•    Ability to think critically and to work rigorously 
•    Ability to work using own initiative to meet strict deadlines 
•     Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; ability and willingness to communicate your research at national and international conferences, to fellow academics in other disciplines and to stakeholders. 
•    The ability to work independently and as cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings and working on joint research projects. 
•    A commitment to the values of equality, diversity and inclusion 
Desirable
•    Demonstrable evidence of promoting a positive and healthy research culture (e.g., by actively supporting/mentoring students, supporting initiatives to improve the work environment etc.) 
 
Qualifications 
•    PhD in a relevant discipline for appointment at Research Associate level
•    About to obtain a PhD in a relevant discipline for appointment at Research Assistant level

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 27171