Postdoctoral Research Associate in Astrophysics

About us
University College London (UCL) is one of the foremost research centres in astrophysics in the UK. UCL’s Astrophysics Group has over 70 members, with research interests ranging from planetary science to cosmology.

About the role
This post is a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in Astrophysics, working on the Royal Society-funded project “Dynamics of the Milky Way with Gaia”, led by Dr. Jason Sanders at UCL. The aim of the project is to uncover the structure, history and evolution of our Galaxy, the Milky Way, through the application of chemo-dynamical modelling techniques to large astrometric, photometric and spectroscopic stellar survey data, in particular results from the Gaia satellite.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will join a small team of researchers working towards this goal. They will further this aim either through investigations into the development of flexible dynamical and chemical modelling methods, their application to Gaia and spectroscopic survey data and comparison of the results with appropriate simulations, or through similar related work on near-field cosmology and galaxy formation using the Milky Way.

This position is funded until 30th September 2024 in the first instance with further funding possible. The start date is flexible, and an earlier start is preferred.

Candidates will need to upload a CV (including a list of publications), a statement of research interests and plans (3 pages maximum), and the contact information for three references. A cover letter can be included using the “Statement in Support of your Application” section of the online form. Applicants should arrange for three letters of reference to be emailed to Mrs. Kay Nakum ([email protected]) by the application deadline.

Informal enquiries regarding the vacancy can be made to Jason Sanders ([email protected]).

The full Job Description and Person Specification can be found in the “Related URLs" section below.

About you
The successful applicant will have a PhD in Astrophysics, with expertise in near-field cosmology, galactic dynamics or galactic archaeology. Previous experience of working either with data from large-scale stellar surveys (e.g. Gaia or associated spectroscopic surveys) or with the analysis of controlled or cosmological simulations is highly desirable. Candidates should also have effective written and verbal communication skills.

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at research assistant Grade 6B (salary £36,832 - £39,480 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

What we offer
At UCL, we offer a competitive benefits package including 27 days annual leave plus six days (bank holidays are in addition), hybrid and flexible working, pension scheme, season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme, enhanced maternity/ paternity/ adoption pay, workplace nursery, employee assistance programme and much more! For more information on our benefits, please visit our staff benefits webpage. We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/ We particularly welcome female applicants and those from an ethnic minority, as they are under-represented within UCL at this level. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality.