Research Fellow

Queen’s University Belfast

Research Fellow, School of Mathematics and Physics, 26/113352

Closing date: 22/06/2026

Duration: 2 years or until 31 August 2028, whichever is soonest

Hours: 37

About the job:

We seek to recruit a 2-year postdoctoral researcher to work as part of our ERC-funded “Heavymetal” project in the Astrophysics Research Centre at Queen’s University Belfast. The role will be to actively develop the relativistic R-matrix and AUTOSTRUCTURE codebases to generate atomic data for the modelling of neutron star mergers and other exploding transients. The position will also entail integrating these data into subsequent radiative transport codes (e.g. TARDIS and ARTIS) and working within our ERC Heavymetal collaboration to support the running and interpretation of simulations with these codes. The appointed candidate will make significant contributions to computer grant applications, ensure good management of resources and mentor junior members in their usage of such resources. They will also be expected to undertake visits to each of the other nodes within the Heavymetal collaboration, and be receptive to undertaking collaborative work in response to the needs of experimental and/or observational components of our project in a timely fashion.

About the person:

The successful candidate must have and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the

following essential criteria:

• Normally have or be about to obtain* a relevant PhD (Theoretical Atomic Physics or Astrophysical Simulation, or

related field) (*must be obtained within 3 months of commencement of employment)

• Have significant relevant research experience. Specific relevant research experience in the following areas:

o R-matrix calculations for atoms and ions to include electron-impact excitation, photoionization and/or radiative

recombination.

o Code development experience using Fortran, C++ and/or Python for research.

o Numerical simulation/modelling for astrophysical applications.

• Hold a strong publication record commensurate with stage of career.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information document on our website.

Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding. 

What we offer:

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more at https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/HumanResources/pay-reward-and-benefits/.

Queen’s University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality. For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit www.qub.ac.uk/diversity.

If you are an international applicant and don’t already hold a visa that permits you to take up the role you are applying for, please use the information provided on our website to self-assess whether the University is likely to be able to support a visa application - http://go.qub.ac.uk/internationalstaffsupport