Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Very High Angular Resolution Astrophysics

University of Oxford; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious academic institution in Oxford is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Very High Angular Resolution Astrophysics. The role involves working on data analysis and collaboration on the study of black hole jet formation. Candidates should hold a PhD in astrophysics and possess experience with VLBI. This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 3 years, with some flexibility for remote work.

Qualifications

• Hold a PhD (or close to completion) in astrophysics or related field.
• Experience in radio VLBI and astrophysical jets is essential.
• Demonstrate good communication skills and suitability for teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Propose and analyze data with VLBI arrays to study relativistic jets from black holes.
• Collaborate with other observers and theoreticians on black hole jet formation.
• Extend observations to higher-frequency VLBI arrays.

Skills

Experience with VLBI

Good communication skills

Teamwork abilities

Education

PhD in astrophysics or a related field

Job description

Department of Physics, Denys Wilkinson Building, Oxford (some work from home flexibility is possible)

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Very High Angular Resolution Astrophysics at the Physics Department, University of Oxford.

This project is an integral part of the Blackholistic collaboration, which is funded by an ERC Synergy grant and aims to try and unify accretion and jet formation across the black hole mass range. The collaboration incorporates observations, analytic and numerical modelling, as well as the development and construction of a new mm facility, The Africa Millimetre Telescope, in Namibia.

The successful applicant will be based in Oxford and work on proposing for, and analysing, data with VLBI arrays to study relativistic jets from black holes. They will work with other observers and theoreticians to develop our understanding of black hole jet formation. They will work with a much larger group, including theoreticians, to understand those data. They are also expected to working on extending observations to higher-frequency, or newly-developed, VLBI arrays.

You should hold a PhD (or close to completion) in astrophysics or a related field. Experience radio VLBI and astrophysical jets is essential as well as experience in the field of relativistic jets and accreting black holes, in particular X-ray binaries, will be an advantage. Candidates are expected to demonstrate good communication skills and to be suited to working in a large team.

This is a full-time post, fixed term for 3 years