Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Astronomy Group

Department of Physics

Salary: £40,839 per annum - including London Allowance. This is the expected starting salary for this post. Appointment at a higher point may be made for candidates who demonstrate exceptional skills and experience relevant to the role.

Post Type: Full Time

Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Friday 28 February 2025

Reference: 1224-362

Right to work: Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

Post Overview: Applications are invited for the post of a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Astronomy Group as part of the initial hiring process for the recently awarded UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project “Revealing the secrets of neutron-star interiors with AI and the SKA” led by Dr Vanessa Graber. The successful candidate will join Royal Holloway’s Astronomy Group and conduct research on radio observations of neutron stars, focusing on analysing radio pulsar timing data, specifically timing noise and pulsar glitches. The role combines time-domain radio astronomy with machine learning and scientific software development to build a new framework for analysing pulsar glitches. The post holder will have access to state-of-the-art computing facilities and collaborate with experienced Co-Is at Royal Holloway’s Computer Science Department and UCL’s Advanced Research Computing Centre, as well as Project Partners at the Universities of Manchester, Tasmania, and Tübingen. The successful applicant is expected to produce independent and original research, submit publications to refereed journals, and assist in supervising BSc, MSc/MSci, and PhD students.

The successful applicant will have a PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a related discipline, as well as prior experience with time-domain radio astronomy and/or relevant theory. Existing experience with machine learning would be an asset. Strong communication skills and a keen interest in interdisciplinary research are essential.

Research Environment: Royal Holloway’s Astronomy Group covers a wide range of topics in astrophysics and astronomy, including stellar astrophysics, supernovae, radio pulsars, gravitational-wave astronomy, and cosmology. We leverage state-of-the-art observational facilities such as JWST, the Hubble Space Telescope, LIGO/VIRGO gravitational-wave detectors, and the Euclid satellite to investigate fundamental questions about celestial objects, galaxy evolution, and the structure of the Universe. We also collaborate with experts in Computer Science and the wider economy to apply advanced Artificial Intelligence methods to astrophysical research.

Royal Holloway offers an extensive rewards and benefits package, including generous annual leave and a variety of training and development opportunities specifically tailored to Early Career Researchers. Additional training initiatives will be offered as part of the FLF project.

The post will be based in Egham, where the University is situated on a beautiful leafy campus near Windsor Great Park and within commuting distance of London.

The University and the Department of Physics are committed to creating a positive and inclusive environment. We host various initiatives to support our students and staff, including networks for LGBT+ staff, Disability and Mental Health, Black and Global Majority staff, Parents and Carers, and Women in Physics. Equality, diversity, and inclusion will also be central to the work of the FLF project team.

Additional Information: This is a full-time post, available from 1 October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter for a fixed-term period of 2 years at Royal Holloway, University of London, with the possibility of a one-year extension following this initial period, subject to performance and funding availability.

Interested applicants will need to complete an online application form, including a set of supporting statements, upload a CV of no more than 3 pages including a list of publications, and provide names of two referees. Reference letters will only be requested for short-listed candidates.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Dr Vanessa Graber by emailing vanessa.graber@rhul.ac.uk. For queries on the application process, the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at recruitment@rhul.ac.uk. Please quote the reference: 1224-362.

Closing Date: 23:59, 28 February 2025

Interview Date: Interviews will take place remotely w/c 31 March 2025.

The university has adopted hybrid working for some roles; therefore, some remote working may be possible for this role.

Royal Holloway is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and encourages applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, parental status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or trans status or history.