Research Associate Astrophysics

Newcastle University; Newcastle; On-site; ZAR 33 000 - 38 000; Full time

Job summary

An academic institution in KwaZulu-Natal is seeking a fixed-term Research Assistant/Associate in extragalactic astrophysics to work on a UKRI-funded project. The successful candidate will conduct research, collaborate closely with Durham University, and contribute to outreach activities for the Newcastle Audio Universe project. A PhD or Honours degree in a relevant field is required. The position offers a competitive salary and a commitment to equality and inclusion.

Benefits

Opportunities for travel and training

Support for professional development

Qualifications

• Experience with large spectroscopic surveys.
• Understanding of AGN feedback models and hydrodynamic simulations.
• Experience in outreach activities to promote science.

Responsibilities

• Conduct data analysis and research aligned with the funded project programme.
• Collaborate with team members and publish research.
• Present research outputs to various audiences.

Skills

Technical skills in analyzing spectroscopic datasets

Knowledge of extragalactic astrophysics

Excellent communication skills

Experience presenting research

Experience with multi-wavelength datasets

Education

Associate level PhD in a relevant discipline

Honours degree in a relevant subject

Job description

Research Assistant: 33002 - 33951 per annum

Research Associate: 35608 - 37694 per annum

Closing Date: 11 January 2025

The Role

The School of Mathematics Statistics and Physics (MSP) at Newcastle University are seeking to recruit a fixed‑term Research Assistant/Associate in extragalactic astrophysics to join an exciting UKRI‑funded research programme managed by Dr Chris Harrison. The post will be hosted at Newcastle and will involve working closely with collaborators at Durham University via Prof. Dave Alexander and his team.

The project combines observations with predictions from hydrodynamic simulations to make significant scientific progress in understanding how Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) influence the formation and evolution of galaxies. Particular interest includes the role of dust and obscuration in driving AGN feedback.

This post focuses on spectroscopic surveys including 4MOST and MOONS. Newcastle and Durham are members of the extragalactic surveys MOONRISE and the 4MOST IR AGN surveys, both of which are expected to start operations in 2026. Collaborators exist at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) in Garching, Germany.

In addition to project‑specific activities, you will be encouraged to pursue your own related independent research interests and training/development. You will also be encouraged to undertake outreach/engagement activities, particularly those designed to increase accessibility and inclusion, e.g. through the Newcastle Audio Universe project.

Successful applicants will join the growing astronomy and astrophysics group at Newcastle University, which has wider expertise in galaxy evolution, cosmology, compact objects, stellar evolution and magneto‑hydrodynamic simulations. You will also be part of the Newcastle‑Durham Accretion Alliance collaboration, a network of researchers interested in accretion‑related physics across the two institutions.

The post can commence from March 2026 and is provisionally expected to last until February 2029. Funds are available for travel, training and other support.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We embrace equity and particularly welcome applications from community members that are under‑represented in physics. If you have demonstrable experience in showing a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, please outline this in your application.

We are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment. Flexible and blended working arrangements can be discussed.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the online application attaching a CV, a covering letter, and a 3‑page research statement. In your covering letter please outline how you are working towards meeting or exceeding all essential requirements for the role holder.

Contact Dr Chris Harrison via email: [e-mail]

Responsibilities

• Conduct data analysis and research aligned with the funded project programme.
• Work successfully in a research team and wider collaborators to publish world‑leading research.
• Present research outputs to scientific and non‑scientific audiences in written and oral form.
• Contribute to the positive culture and strengths of the research group and the School, e.g. through supervision of project students, outreach initiatives to promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and organising or participating in research events.
• Any other duties required from time to time commensurate with the grade of the post.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Excellent technical skills in analysing and interpreting spectroscopic datasets related to extragalactic observations.
• Excellent knowledge of extragalactic astrophysics, ideally related to galaxy evolution and AGN.
• Track record of high‑quality research outputs related to the goals of the project (e.g., publications, software, research tools).
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write creatively for publications and concisely for communications.
• Track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia or meetings commensurate with stage of career.
• Experience working with and planning for large spectroscopic surveys (desirable).
• Experience with multi‑wavelength datasets (such as X‑rays and infrared photometric data) to interpret spectroscopic data (desirable).
• Understanding of AGN feedback models and their implementation in hydrodynamic simulations (desirable).
• Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals in collaboration with other academics (desirable).
• Experience in creating and/or delivery activities designed to make science more accessible and inclusive and/or to promote science to the general public (desirable).

Attributes and Behaviours

• Works independently using own initiative and meets strict deadlines.
• Works cooperatively as part of a team, participates in research meetings, works on joint research projects.
• Commits to equality, diversity and inclusion values.
• Commits to promoting a positive and healthy research culture (e.g., actively supporting/mentoring students, supporting initiatives to improve the work environment) (desirable).
• Interest in student supervision (postgraduate and undergraduates) (desirable).

Qualifications

• Associate level PhD awarded in a relevant discipline.
• Assistant level Honours degree in a relevant subject and working towards PhD in a relevant discipline with demonstrable professional experience.

Additional Information

Newcastle University is a global university where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are a fully inclusive university, actively recruiting, supporting and retaining colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity, celebrate support and thrive on the contributions of all employees and the communities they represent. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who complement our existing teams.

We hold a Gold Athena Swan award and a Race Equality Charter Bronze award. We are a Disability Confident employer and offer interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role.

We are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 28824