At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a leading research team in astrophysics and contribute to groundbreaking projects on black holes.
- Company: Durham University, renowned for excellence in teaching and research in Physics.
- Benefits: Flexible working, inclusive culture, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to collaborate with top researchers and access national observing facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the field of extragalactic astronomy and work with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in theoretical modelling or observational analysis of black holes required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
The Department of Physics at Durham University is one of the leading UK Physics departments with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise of 2021, the Department had 96% of publications rated as 3*/4*. The Department is committed to advancing equality and we aim to ensure that our culture is inclusive, and that our systems support flexible and family-friendly working, as recognised by our Juno Champion and Athena SWAN Silver awards. We recognise and value the benefits of diversity throughout our staff and students.
Durham University hosts one of Europe's largest and most active research groups working in the fields of observational and theoretical extragalactic astronomy, cosmology, and instrumentation. Currently we have about 35 permanent members of academic staff, around 100 postdoctoral researchers and postgraduate students, and several research-active emeritus staff. We have access to all UK national observing facilities, including ESO, ALMA and ESA, and membership of the KMOS, NuSTAR, XRISM LOFAR, PAUS, MOONs and IXPE teams. Durham is also a partner in the DESI, 4MOST, WEAVE, Euclid, LSST, JCMT, HARMONI, and e-MERLIN collaborations and surveys. We are part of the Virgo Consortium and host extensive supercomputing resources, including the 'Cosmology Machine', some of which is part of the DiRAC national supercomputing facility.
We invite applications for a Research Assistant position, to start in October 2026, with an initial period of 2 years and the possibility of further extension. The post is funded by the ERC Consolidator Grant project X-MAPS and will be supervised by Dr Adam Ingram, who will be moving to Durham University in June 2026. The successful candidate will join thriving research teams within the Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy (CEA) at Durham, which is a leading group in observational astrophysics with expertise in compact objects, active galactic nuclei, galaxies and large-scale structure.
The role will contribute to the goals of the X-MAPS project, which aims to unify fast X-ray timing and X-ray polarimetry techniques to improve our understanding of black hole X-ray binaries and measure black hole fundamental properties. Specific research projects include training neural networks to act as fast drop-in replacements for advanced X-ray timing and polarisation models (e.g. the X-ray reverberation mapping code RELTRANS), and applying advanced Fourier timing techniques to search for rapid spectral and polarimetric variability in the X-ray signal from black hole X-ray binaries. We are therefore searching for candidates with experience in theoretical modelling of accreting black holes and/or in observational stochastic X-ray timing and polarimetric analysis.
Research Assistant / PDRA. - Durham employer: Durham University
Durham University is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to research excellence and inclusivity within the Department of Physics. With access to cutting-edge facilities and a vibrant work culture that promotes diversity and flexible working arrangements, employees are supported in their professional growth while contributing to groundbreaking projects in astrophysics. The collaborative environment fosters innovation and offers unique opportunities to engage with leading experts in the field, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant / PDRA. - Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Durham University, especially those in the Department of Physics. A friendly chat can give us insights into the culture and expectations, plus it might just get your name on their radar.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the X-MAPS project. Familiarise yourself with its goals and how your skills align with their needs. We want to show them that you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Set up mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help us refine our answers and boost our confidence. Remember, it’s all about showcasing your passion for astrophysics and research.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant / PDRA. - Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Assistant or PDRA role. Highlight your relevant experience in astrophysics, especially if you've worked with black holes or X-ray timing before. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for astrophysics shine through in your application. Share any personal projects or research that relate to the X-MAPS project. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about their work and the field!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials correctly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team at Durham.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with the X-MAPS project and its goals. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their focus on black hole X-ray binaries and advanced timing techniques. This shows genuine interest and preparation.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare specific examples of your work in theoretical modelling or observational analysis. Highlight any relevant projects or research you've been involved in, especially those that demonstrate your ability to apply advanced techniques in astrophysics.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy and the team dynamics. Inquire about ongoing projects or future directions of the research group. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Collaboration
Given Durham's commitment to diversity and inclusivity, be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a positive team culture. Share experiences where you've worked collaboratively in diverse teams or supported inclusive practices in your previous roles.
