Research Associate in Experimental Radio Astronomy
Research Associate in Experimental Radio Astronomy

Research Associate in Experimental Radio Astronomy

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
The University of Manchester

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a vibrant team to design and build radio frequency hardware for groundbreaking astronomy research.
  • Company: Be part of a leading university's innovative research team at Jodrell Bank Observatory.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a fantastic pension scheme, health services, generous leave, and festive closures.
  • Other info: Flexible working options available in a supportive and inclusive environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the field of radio astronomy and contribute to exciting scientific discoveries.
  • Qualifications: Experience in instrumentation and a passion for data analysis and calibration.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Overview

Overall Purpose

You will work as part of a vibrant research team to detect and understand radio foreground emission and the 21cm global signal at high redshift. You will achieve this by designing, building, and characterising radio frequency hardware, diagnosing and solving instrumentation issues, and developing and applying precision calibration strategies. You will make a difference by making exciting scientific measurements using a novel radio instrument, and by providing precisely-calibrated data for incorporation into radio sky models.

About the Team

Our team consists of around 10 members working on various aspects of radio astronomy and cosmology, with a focus on probes of large-scale structure with the 21cm line, and high-dimensional Bayesian statistical methods. You will be part of the RHINO team, working to build, commission, and analyse data from a novel 21cm global signal experiment based around a large horn antenna. You will work with other team members and engineers at Jodrell Bank Observatory, who will provide expert assistance with aspects of hardware, data analysis, and statistical modelling.

What you will get in return

  • Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
  • Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
  • Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
  • Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
  • Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

Equal opportunities

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit. Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here. Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Application and inquiries

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies. Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to people.talent@manchester.ac.uk. Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift. This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date. Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.

Research Associate in Experimental Radio Astronomy employer: The University of Manchester

Join a dynamic research team at Jodrell Bank Observatory, where you will contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in radio astronomy and cosmology. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, exceptional leave entitlements, and a commitment to equal opportunities, we foster a collaborative and innovative work culture that supports your professional growth. Experience the unique advantage of working alongside leading experts in the field while enjoying flexible working arrangements in a vibrant academic environment.
The University of Manchester

Contact Detail:

The University of Manchester Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Experimental Radio Astronomy

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the field of radio astronomy. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your experience with radio frequency hardware and calibration strategies. This will help you stand out during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors, focusing on technical questions related to instrumentation and data analysis. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our vibrant research team.

We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Experimental Radio Astronomy

Radio Frequency Hardware Design
Instrumentation Diagnosis
Problem-Solving Skills
Precision Calibration Strategies
Data Analysis
Statistical Modelling
Bayesian Statistical Methods
Collaboration Skills
Technical Communication
Experimental Design
Cosmology Knowledge
Large-Scale Structure Probes
Data Characterisation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Research Associate in Experimental Radio Astronomy. We want to see how you can contribute to our vibrant research team!

Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for radio astronomy and cosmology shine through in your written application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in scientific measurements and data analysis.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the position!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all the necessary information and helps us keep track of your application efficiently.

How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the fundamentals of radio astronomy and the specific technologies mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with the 21cm global signal and any relevant calibration strategies. This will show your passion and understanding of the field.

✨Showcase Team Spirit

Since you'll be working in a vibrant team, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences collaborating with others. Highlight how you’ve contributed to team projects, especially in research settings, and how you can bring that collaborative spirit to the RHINO team.

✨Problem-Solving Mindset

Be ready to talk about past challenges you've faced in instrumentation or data analysis. Think of specific examples where you diagnosed issues and implemented solutions. This will demonstrate your critical thinking skills and ability to tackle complex problems.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the team's current projects, the novel radio instrument, or the collaboration with Jodrell Bank Observatory. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the team is the right fit for you.

Research Associate in Experimental Radio Astronomy
The University of Manchester

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