Post Doctoral Research Assistant

University of Hull; Hull and East Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The E.A. Milne Centre for Astrophysics at the University of Hull invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant.

The role focuses on computational astrophysics and theoretical chemistry, with strong emphasis on electronic structure calculations, high-performance computing, and code development for molecular spectroscopy. You will work on the STFC-funded UKRI4116 project Biosignatures of molecular halogens, contribute to automated pipelines on supercomputing infrastructure, and

Qualifications

• Strong background in computational astrophysics, electronic structure theory and molecular spectroscopy.
• Proven experience in electronic structure calculations and high-performance computing (HPC).
• Code development skills for molecular spectroscopy applications.
• Exceptional scientific communication and ability to produce high-quality written materials.

Responsibilities

• Develop computational methodologies to build a theoretical spectroscopic database of halogenated molecules.
• Contribute to automated computational pipelines for halogenated biosignatures on supercomputing infrastructure.
• Present complex information clearly and produce high-quality written scientific materials.

Skills

Computational astrophysics

Electronic structure theory

Molecular spectroscopy

HPC (high-performance computing)

Code development

Scientific communication

Analytical problem-solving

Job description

Salary

Salary Range: £39,906.00 - £46,049.00

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, creating a community where colleagues feel respected and valued. We aim to reflect the diversity of our students and communities, and to strengthen our university through collaboration and diverse perspectives, across all roles at the University. At the University of Hull, we are committed to building a community where everyone feels respected, valued and able to succeed. We recognise that diverse perspectives strengthen our university and the impact of our work. We particularly welcome applications from people who are underrepresented within our workforce, including people from global majority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ people, and women, particularly in senior roles.

Role Overview

An exciting opportunity has emerged at the E.A. Milne Centre for Astrophysics, within the University of Hull, for a dedicated Postdoctoral Research Assistant. This position requires a candidate with expertise in computational astrophysics or theoretical chemistry, demonstrating strong proficiency in electronic structure calculations, high-performance computing (HPC), and code development for molecular spectroscopy.

Contract

This full-time, 3-year position supports the STFC-funded project UKRI4116: “Biosignatures of molecular halogens”, led by Dr. David M. Benoit in collaboration with Bard College (USA) and the University of New South Wales (Australia).

Responsibilities

• Develop computational methodologies to build a theoretical spectroscopic database of halogenated molecules, enhancing our ability to detect potential signs of life beyond Earth in existing and future astronomical observations.
• Contribute significantly to the development of automated computational pipelines for halogenated biosignatures on supercomputing infrastructure.
• Present complex information clearly and concisely and produce high-quality written scientific materials.

Requirements

• Strong background in computational astrophysics, electronic structure theory, and molecular spectroscopy.
• Proven experience in electronic structure calculations and high-performance computing (HPC).
• Code development skills for molecular spectroscopy applications.
• Exceptional scientific communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely, and to produce high-quality written scientific materials.
• Robust critical thinking and analytical problem‑solving skills, essential for navigating high-throughput astrophysical spectroscopic data generation on supercomputing infrastructure.

Application Deadline

Applications close at 00:01am of the closing date listed.

Additional Information

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.