Research Assistant/Associate in Astrophysics

Salary: 

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

Research Associate: £34,866 to £37,999 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: 31 January 2025

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.

Key Accountabilities

• Conduct original quantitative research within the programme of the X-MAPS project under the guidance of the PI, Dr Adam Ingram (MSP)
• Use your initiative and creativity to analyse and interpret astronomical data, write theoretical models, and draw conclusions on the outcomes
• Work successfully in a multidisciplinary team of researchers and with other investigators and colleagues to publish world-leading research in the field of astrophysics

• Work to deadlines and manage, with support, competing priorities
• Ensure that personal knowledge in relevant fields of study is kept up to date
• Maintain academic standards and freedom, and work in accordance with university policies (e.g. equal opportunities, health and safety policies)
• Possible supervision and demonstration duties within undergraduate laboratories and example classes, or in teaching small seminar classes
• May offer informal support to students within the research group

• Develop, with advice, an awareness of your own professional development needs and a personal development strategy

The Person

• Experience in analysis of X-ray data to study astrophysical sources
• Advanced programming skills in Fortran, Python or Julia
• Demonstrable interest in black hole astrophysics
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Research background in astrophysics or a closely related discipline
• Expertise, or demonstrable interest, in modelling the spectral, timing or polarimetric properties of accreting black holes
• Experience, or demonstrable interest, in working with data from key X-ray observatories such as NICER, NuSTAR and IXPE
• Demonstrable knowledge of black hole astrophysics
• Demonstrable understanding of statistical methods
• Strong understanding of research integrity

Attributes and Behaviour

• Commitment to the values of equality and diversity in your work
• A positive attitude and ability to act as a role model to students and colleagues
• High level of problem-solving ability and attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communicator; ability to communicate with a variety of individuals
• Proficient time management skills
• An ability to work independently under supervision and as part of a multi-disciplinary team

Qualifications

Research Assistant Position

• Studying for a PhD (or equivalent professional experience), in Astrophysics or a closely related discipline

Research Associate Position

• PhD in Astrophysics or a closely related discipline

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: 27857

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