Research Associate in Extragalactic Astrophysics

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.

The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics (MSP) at Newcastle University are seeking to recruit a short-term Research Associate in extragalactic astrophysics to join an exciting UKRI-funded research program managed by Dr Chris Harrison. The project will combine spectroscopic observations with predictions from hydrodynamic simulations to make significant scientific progress in understanding how Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) influence the formation and evolution of galaxies. You will become a member of the team, contributing to the research planning and implementation. You will perform data analysis and interpretation and disseminate your work, for example through publications and presentations at scientific meetings.

This 8-month post is specifically to work on data from spectroscopic surveys, such as BASS and DESI to test theoretical predictions from simulations performed by our group. These predictions relate to the properties of AGN-driven outflows, in different gas phases, and how they vary as a function of AGN power. We are looking for somebody who is already highly experienced in sourcing and modelling appropriate data of AGN host galaxies from large spectroscopic surveys and is able to extract physical properties from such analysis. They should have experience in writing journal articles for publication.

In addition to project-specific activities, you will be encouraged to pursue your own independent research and training. Furthermore, you may undertake outreach/engagement activities, particularly those designed to increase accessibility and inclusion to science. Successful applicants will join the growing astronomy and astrophysics group at Newcastle University, which has wider expertise in galaxy evolution, cosmology, compact objects, stellar evolution, and magneto-hydrodynamic simulations. We embrace equality and particularly welcome applications from community members that are under-represented in physics. If you have demonstrable experience in showing a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion then please outline this in your application. We are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment. We would be happy to discuss arrangements for flexible and/or blended working. Generous funds are available for travel, training and other support.

To apply, please complete the online application and attach a CV and covering letter. In your covering letter, please outline how you are either working towards, meet or exceed all the essential requirements as noted below under the person specification.

Key Accountabilities

• Conduct the data analysis and research along the lines of the programme of the funded project
• Work successfully in a research team and wider collaborators to publish world-leading research
• Present outputs of the research from the research team to scientific and non-scientific audiences, in written and oral form
• Contribute to the positive culture and general strengths of the research group and the School; for example, through supervision of project students, participation in outreach, leading initiatives to promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and organising/participating in research events
• Any other duties that may be required from time to time, commensurate with the grade of the post

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Excellent technical skills in analysing and interpreting spectroscopic datasets, specifically of AGN host galaxies
• Experience working with, and planning for, large spectroscopic surveys (for example DESI and 4MOST)
• Experience working with multi-wavelength datasets (such as X-rays and infrared photometric data) to help interpret the results from the spectroscopic data
• A track record of high-quality research outputs related to the goals of the project (e.g., publications, software, research tools etc.)
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write creatively for publications, and concisely for communications
• A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career

• Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals in collaboration with other academics
• Experience in creating and/or delivering activities designed to make science more accessible and inclusive and/or to promote science to the general public

• Ability to work independently using own initiative and to meet strict deadlines
• Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings and working on joint research projects
• A commitment to the values of equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work
• Ability to set own research goals, be self-motivated and proactive

• Demonstrable commitment to promoting a positive and healthy research culture (e.g., by actively supporting/mentoring students, supporting initiatives to improve the work environment etc.)
• An interest in student supervision (postgraduate and undergraduates)

• PhD awarded in a relevant discipline (or exceptionally equivalent professional experience)
• Honours Degree in a relevant 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.