Research Fellow in Neutron Stars Astrophysics

UCL; Dorking; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in space research is seeking a motivated Research Fellow in Neutron Stars Astrophysics. This exciting role involves theoretical research focused on neutron star atmospheric modeling and X-ray spectro-polarimetry. The successful candidate will develop advanced radiative transfer codes to explore the spectral properties of magnetized neutron stars. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, this position offers an opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in astrophysics while enjoying a supportive work environment with generous benefits, including extensive holiday and a defined benefit pension scheme.

Benefits

41 days holiday

Defined benefit pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

On-site outdoor swimming pool

Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay

Employee assistance programme

Discounted medical insurance

Qualifications

• Proficiency in high-level programming languages in a Linux/Unix environment.
• Strong background in numerical analysis and efficient numerical models.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced radiative transfer codes for neutron star atmospheric modeling.
• Model spectral, timing, and polarimetric properties of magnetized neutron stars.

Skills

Fortran

C

C++

Python

JAX

Numerical Analysis

Astrophysical Radiative Transfer

Education

PhD in Astronomy

PhD in Physics

PhD in Astrophysics

Job description

Research Fellow in Neutron Stars Astrophysics

About us

The Department is located on its own campus in the beautiful Surrey Hills, surrounded by woodland, and is the UK's largest university space research group. With approximately 70 academic staff, fellows and postdocs, and a total staff of ~150, MSSL is the UK's largest university space research group. We aim to unravel the mysteries of the Universe through research in fields ranging from the Earth's climate to astrophysics, and cosmology.

Space science is a discipline that demands highly innovative technologies, and the Department has an international reputation for excellence. UCL was one of the first universities to engage in space-based scientific observations. Since its establishment in 1966, the Department has participated in over 40 satellite missions with agencies like ESA, NASA, JAXA, Roscosmos, CNSA, and ISRO, and has flown over 230 rocket experiments. MSSL has contributed to 14 instruments on 9 satellites, including XMM-Newton, INTEGRAL, Swift, Gaia, and Euclid. We have the capability to design, build, and test instruments and spacecraft systems on site, working closely with research scientists and engineers to ensure scientific and technical excellence.

About the role

The Department of Space and Climate Physics at UCL (http://www.ucl.ac.uk/mssl/) seeks to appoint a motivated Research Fellow within the Astrophysics Group (https://ucl.ac.uk/mssl/research/astrophysics-0). The appointment is for three years, starting around 1 July 2025 (negotiable). The successful candidate will work under Prof. Silvia Zane, focusing on theoretical research in neutron star atmospheric modeling and X-ray spectro-polarimetry. The role involves developing advanced radiative transfer codes to model spectral, timing, and polarimetric properties of magnetized neutron star atmospheres.

About you

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Excellent proficiency in a high-level programming language (e.g., Fortran, C, C++, Python, JAX) in a Linux/Unix environment.
• A strong background in numerical analysis, with the ability to translate physical concepts into efficient numerical models.
• Knowledge of neutron star X-ray emission and astrophysical radiative transfer.

Applicants should have (or be about to receive) a PhD in astronomy, physics, or astrophysics.

For more details, please see the attached Job description.

What we offer

We offer a range of benefits, including:

• 41 days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
• Defined benefit pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-site outdoor swimming pool
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme
• Discounted medical insurance

More information is available at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

As London's Global University, UCL values diversity as a driver of creativity and innovation. We are committed to providing equal opportunities and fostering an inclusive environment. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including those from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ individuals; and women in senior roles. Learn more at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/.

The Department has been awarded the Institute of Physics Juno Practitioner status, recognizing our efforts in promoting gender equality in physics.