Research Fellow in Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics

University of Leeds; Leeds; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research Fellow in Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics to join a dynamic team focused on investigating tidal flows in stars and planets. This exciting position involves performing advanced simulations and contributing to groundbreaking research that enhances our understanding of astrophysical phenomena. The role offers a collaborative environment within one of the largest research groups in the field, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. With a commitment to equity and diversity, the organization fosters a supportive atmosphere that encourages innovative thinking and a healthy work-life balance.

Benefits

26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays

Generous pension scheme

Health and Wellbeing discounts

Access to on-site childcare

Shopping discounts

Travel schemes

Flexible working arrangements

Personal Development courses

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant discipline (Astrophysics, Applied Mathematics, or Planetary Sciences).
• Experience in large-scale computing and independent research.

Responsibilities

• Perform hydrodynamical or magnetohydrodynamical simulations for tidal flows.
• Interpret observations of extrasolar planets and binary stars.

Skills

Astrophysics

Applied Mathematics

Planetary Sciences

Large-scale computing

Independent research

Communication skills

Planning skills

Team working skills

Education

PhD in Astrophysics

PhD in Applied Mathematics

PhD in Planetary Sciences

Job description

Research Fellow in Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics

Are you interested in astrophysical fluid dynamics, and how advanced computational methods can be used to investigate the dynamics of tidal flows in stars and planets? Would you like to feel part of a strong supportive group at the University of Leeds?

We are looking for a Research Fellow to join our Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) funded project for 36 months, which will investigate tidal flows in stars and giant planets, with the goal to understand the mechanisms of tidal dissipation. The project will involve performing hydrodynamical or magnetohydrodynamical simulations to study tidal flows in spherical or ellipsoidal geometry, using and extending one or more existing codes. The results from these calculations will be applied to interpret current observations of extrasolar planets and close binary stars, and to make predictions for future observations.

You will work in close contact with Professors Adrian Barker and Rainer Hollerbach in the Department of Applied Mathematics, and you will join the Astrophysical and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics research group , which is one of the largest and strongest such groups in the world. This project will strongly complement and benefit from other related projects at Leeds, including one in magnetic and thermal evolution of magnetars. The post is currently available for a start date as soon as possible from 1st July 2025 but later start dates can be negotiated.

You will have a PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. Astrophysics, Applied Mathematics, or Planetary Sciences), together with experience in large-scale computing. You will also have the ability to conduct independent research and a developing track record of publications in international journals. In addition, you will have excellent communication, planning and team working skills.

The School of Mathematics is committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and to an environment free of any type of discrimination, where everyone can reach their full potential. We strive to support the career development of the Post-doctoral Research Fellows that we recruit, and to provide them with the flexibility and support needed in their development as the future generation of world-leading researchers.

The School of Mathematics also offers a number of family-friendly employment practices that are designed to enable a good work-life balance and to be responsive to support personal circumstances. In many roles we offer flexible working and part-time working, and we have a range of services to help support staff through work and personal challenges.

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information, please visit the Government’s Skilled Worker visa page .

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance – the University contributes 14.5% of salary.
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.