Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Cosmic Microwave Background Instrumentation

Applications are invited for the position of Lecturer in Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) Instrumentation. Lecturer is a permanent academic staff member equivalent to Assistant Professor in the US naming convention.

The successful candidate will join the Cosmology group of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, part of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. They will play a key role in consolidating and strengthening JBCA’s international leadership position in CMB research, which spans experimental, observational and theoretical areas. CMB is a flagship activity of the JBCA Cosmology group. The group currently leads the UK contribution to Simons Observatory (SO) and is actively planning for lead roles in future CMB projects including CMB-S4, LiteBIRD and a possible future spectral distortions satellite mission. Other CMB projects JBCA is participating in include LSPE, QUBIC, QUIJOTE, COSMO and BISOU. The ideal candidate will contribute to the existing SO instrumentation activity and will play a key role in advancing the Cosmology group’s ambitious plans in this area. They will have an established track record in delivering instrumentation for CMB telescopes, and in developing new techniques in CMB instrumentation, and possibly in other related fields.

The JBCA has close links with, and is co-located with, several institutes at the University that are world-leading in advanced technologies research. These include the National Graphene Institute, The Royce Institute and the Photon Science Institute. In addition, the JBCA has joint research programs with other groups within the Department, particularly the Particle Physics group. Applications from CMB Instrumentalists with research programs that can strengthen such links, e.g. through cross-cutting Quantum Technology programs, are welcomed.     

Provisional Interview Dates: 10-11 March 2025

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is committed to promoting Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Access through contributing to the University’s social responsibility agenda, demonstrating a commitment to its policies, activities and delivery of initiatives including the Athena SWAN charter for promoting women’s careers in STEMM subjects (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) in higher education. The Department has held JUNO Champion status since 2016 for its commitment to achieving gender equality which positively promotes inclusivity for all.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status. Appointment will be made on merit and equal opportunities data completed by applicants will not be accessible by the Recruiting Manager and panel.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Blended working arrangements may be considered