At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to analyse and characterise cutting-edge astrophysics instrumentation.
- Company: UCL, a pioneering university with a rich history in scientific research.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, gym access, and more!
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career growth and collaboration on space missions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in astrophysics while engaging in exciting outreach activities.
- Qualifications: MSc in Physics or Astrophysics with experience in data analysis and outreach.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
UCL was the first university in England to welcome students of any class, religion, and the first to welcome women on equal terms with men. Scientific research and study has been a strong feature of UCL since its inception in 1826. The Astrophysics Group is one of the largest in the UK, comprising about 120 members of academic, research and support staff, of which 22 are academic staff members. Our research areas cover cosmology, gravitational waves, galaxy formation and evolution, massive stars, star formation and stellar evolution, interstellar and circumstellar processes, (exo-)planetary science, atmospheric physics and instrumentation.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy has a strong track record of scientific research and outreach. The Astrophysics group has major involvement in design, modelling and work on instrumentation which directly enables scientific breakthroughs in the field of exoplanets, star formation, cosmology and observational astrophysics in general. Furthermore, the Astrophysics Group’s strong link with UCL’s Mullard Space Science Laboratory have fostered many collaborations on ongoing and upcoming space missions as well as the development of new and exciting future concepts and instrumentation.
About the role: UCL invites applications for a Research Associate to work at the interface between the instrumentation and exoplanet and stellar systems groups on the characterisation of the Ariel payload optics, its commissioning and the expected performance as it is being built and tested within a number of institutes of the Ariel European consortium. The aim of the project is to analyse in particular the performance of the instrument in advance of testing campaigns taking place in the coming months/years. The Research Associate will also engage substantially in outreach activities of the Astrophysics Group and the overall department as part of this post. In the support to the Ariel research work, the postholder will be working within the Operations working group by feeding optical simulation results into a performance matrix. The postholder will gain experience on the use of tools such as commercial optical modelling software as well as custom-built Ariel-related software (which predicts and generates data streams as expected to be output by the payload with simulated data scenes).
Candidates will need to upload a CV, including any experience in related topics and outreach activities (2 pages maximum), and the contact information for two references. A cover letter can be included using the “Statement in Support of your Application” section of the online form. This role is funded for 12 months in the first instance until 30 September 2027.
About you: The successful candidate will have an MSc in Physics or Astrophysics (or a closely related discipline) with some experience in data analysis, optical experiments and with demonstrable experience in outreach activities. The post-holder would be expected to commit some of their time to outreach activities beside the main research goals of the post.
What we offer: As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.
Research Assistant in Astrophysics in London employer: UK Dementia Research Institute
At the UCL Institute for Materials Discovery, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ample networking opportunities with leading experts in academia and industry, as well as our generous benefits package, including 41 days of holiday and a defined benefit pension scheme. Join us in our mission to advance materials research and make a meaningful impact in the field of biosensing technology, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of London.
Contact Details:
UK Dementia Research Institute Recruitment Team
