Post Doctoral Research Assistant

Hull; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

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

The role focuses on computational astrophysics and theoretical chemistry, developing electronic-structure based methods and HPC pipelines for halogenated biosignatures in a major STFC/UKRI-funded project. The successful candidate will contribute to spectroscopic database development and scientific communication, with opportunities for high-impact publications and

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field is required or strongly preferred.
• Experience in computational astrophysics or theoretical chemistry.
• Proficiency in electronic structure calculations, high-performance computing and coding for spectroscopy.

Responsibilities

• Develop computational methods to build a theoretical spectroscopic database of halogenated molecules.
• Create automated computational pipelines for halogenated biosignatures.
• Communicate results clearly through high-quality written scientific materials and presentations.

Skills

Computational astrophysics

Electronic structure theory

Molecular spectroscopy

High-performance computing

Code development

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

Python

Fortran

Job description

## Post Doctoral Research AssistantApply: Eligible for Agile Working: University of Hull: Full time: Posted 3 Days Ago: End Date: October 10, 2026 (25 days left to apply): JR103001**Salary Range:**£39,906.00 - £46,049.00We 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.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. 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). The role focuses on developing 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. The role demands a candidate with a strong background in computational astrophysics, electronic structure theory, and molecular spectroscopy, capable of contributing significantly to the development of automated computational pipelines for halogenated biosignatures. Furthermore, it requires a professional with exceptional skills in scientific communication, including the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely, and to produce high-quality written scientific materials. The ideal candidate will also possess robust critical thinking and analytical problem-solving skills, essential for navigating the complexities of high-throughput astrophysical spectroscopic data generation on supercomputing infrastructure.### 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. 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). The role focuses on developing 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.The role demands a candidate with a strong background in computational astrophysics, electronic structure theory, and molecular spectroscopy, capable of contributing significantly to the development of automated computational pipelines for halogenated biosignatures. Furthermore, it requires a professional with exceptional skills in scientific communication, including the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely, and to produce high-quality written scientific materials. The ideal candidate will also possess robust critical thinking and analytical problem-solving skills, essential for navigating the complexities of high-throughput astrophysical spectroscopic data generation on supercomputing infrastructure.The full job description can be viewed here.For any informal queries, please contact David Benoit: [e-mail]### ### Applications close at 00:01am of the closing date listed. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. If you are interested in this role, please submit your application as early as possible.