Research Associate Astrophysics

Newcastle University; Newcastle; On-site; ZAR 749 000 - 863 000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious research institution in Kwazulu-Natal seeks a Research Assistant/Associate for a fixed-term role focused on extragalactic astrophysics. Candidates should hold a PhD or an honours degree with relevant progression. The role includes conducting data analysis, collaborating with research teams, and presenting findings to varied audiences. An excellent opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research and promote inclusivity in science.

Benefits

Generous holiday package

Pension schemes

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of galaxy evolution and AGN is preferred.
• Experience with large spectroscopic surveys is desirable.
• Understanding of AGN feedback models is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Conduct data analysis aligned with the funded research programme.
• Present research outcomes to various audiences.
• Collaborate positively in research teams.

Skills

Technical skills in analysing spectroscopic data

Knowledge of extragalactic astrophysics

Research output record

Excellent communication skills

Experience presenting research

Education

PhD in relevant discipline

Honours degree in relevant subject

Job description

Research Assistant: £33,002 – £33,951 per annum

Research Associate: £35,608 – £37,694 per annum

Closing date: 11 January 2025

Newcastle University is a great place to work with excellent benefits. We offer a generous holiday package, a range of pension schemes and numerous health and wellbeing initiatives.

The Role

The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics (MSP) at Newcastle University is recruiting a fixed‑term Research Assistant / Associate in extragalactic astrophysics to join a major UKRI‑funded research programme managed by Dr Chris Harrison. The post will be based at Newcastle and will involve close collaboration with Prof. Dave Alexander and his team at Durham University.

The research will combine observations with predictions from hydrodynamic simulations to advance our understanding of how Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) influence the formation and evolution of galaxies, with particular emphasis on the role of dust and obscuration in AGN feedback.

Key activities will focus on spectroscopic surveys using 4MOST and MOONS. Newcastle and Durham are member institutions of the extragalactic surveys MOONRISE and the 4MOST IR AGN surveys, both scheduled to start operations in 2026. The role will also interact closely with collaborators at ESO and the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics.

In addition to project‑specific duties, you are encouraged to pursue independent research interests, undertake training and development, and engage in outreach to promote accessibility and inclusion, for example through the Newcastle Audio Universe project.

The successful candidate will join a growing astronomy and astrophysics group with expertise in galaxy evolution, cosmology and multi‑physics simulations, and be part of the Newcastle–Durham Accretion Alliance collaboration.

The appointment is expected to commence in March 2026 and run until February 2029, with funding available for travel, training and other support.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct data analysis and research in line with the funded programme.
• Work effectively in research teams and wider collaborations to publish world‑leading results.
• Present research outcomes to scientific and non‑scientific audiences in written and oral form.
• Contribute positively to the research group’s culture, including supervising project students, participating in outreach initiatives and promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).
• Carry out any other duties commensurate with the post level.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Excellent technical skills in analysing and interpreting spectroscopic data, specifically extragalactic observations.
• Strong knowledge of extragalactic astrophysics, ideally galaxy evolution and AGN.
• Demonstrated record of high‑quality research outputs aligned with the project goals (publications, software, research tools).
• Excellent communication skills for both academic publishing and broader communication.
• Experience presenting research at conferences, symposia or meetings appropriate to career stage.
• Experience planning for and working with large spectroscopic surveys (desirable).
• Experience with multi‑wavelength datasets (e.g. X‑ray, infrared photometry) to interpret spectroscopic results (desirable).
• Understanding of AGN feedback models and their implementation in hydrodynamic simulations (desirable).
• Ability to develop research proposals in collaboration with other academics (desirable).
• Experience delivering activities that make science more accessible and inclusive or promote science to the public (desirable).

Attributes and Behaviours

• Capacity to work independently, taking initiative and meeting tight deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in research teams and joint projects.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all work.
• Demonstrated commitment to a positive, healthy research culture (e.g. mentoring, enhancing workplace environment) (desirable).
• Interest in supervising graduate and undergraduate students (desirable).

Qualifications

• PhD (Associate level) awarded in a relevant discipline.
• Honours degree (Assistant level) in a relevant subject, with evidence of progressing toward a PhD and relevant professional experience.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

We embrace equity and actively welcome applications from community members under‑represented in physics. If you have demonstrable experience in promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, please outline this in your application. We commit to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment and will accommodate flexible or blended working arrangements.

Application Process

To apply, please complete the online application and attach a CV, a covering letter and a three‑page research statement.

In your covering letter, describe how you meet or exceed all essential requirements for the role.

For all information enquiries, please contact Dr Chris Harrison via email.