Research Associate Astrophysics

Research Associate Astrophysics

Newcastle University

Newcastle, United Kingdom

The Role

The project will combine 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. There is a particular interest in understanding the role of dust and obscuration in driving AGN feedback.

This post is expected to focus on spectroscopic surveys including 4MOST and MOONS. Newcastle and Durham are members of the extragalactic surveys of MOONRISE and the 4MOST IR AGN surveys, both of which are expected to start operations in 2026.

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

Key Accountabilities

The main duties and responsibilities are as follows:

• Conduct the data analysis and research along the lines of the programme of the funded project.
• Work successfully in a research team and wider collaborators to publish world-leading research.
• Present outputs of the research from the research team to scientific and non-scientific audiences, in written and oral form.
• Contribute to the positive culture and general strengths of the research group and the School; for example, through supervision of project students, participation in outreach, leading initiatives to promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and organising/participating in research events.
• Any other duties that may be required from time to time, commensurate with the grade of the post.

The Person (Essential)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Excellent technical skills in analysing and interpreting spectroscopic datasets, specifically related to extragalactic observations.
• An excellent knowledge of extragalactic astrophysics, ideally related to galaxy evolution and active galactic nuclei (AGN).
• A track record of high-quality research outputs related to the goals of the project (e.g., publications, software, research tools etc.).
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write creatively for publications, and concisely for communications.
• A 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 working with multi-wavelength datasets (such as X-rays and infrared photometric data) to help interpret the results from the spectroscopic data. (Desirable)
• An 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:

• Ability to work independently using own initiative and to meet strict deadlines.
• Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings and working on joint research projects.
• A commitment to the values of equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work.
• Demonstrable commitment to promoting a positive and healthy research culture (e.g., by actively supporting/mentoring students, supporting initiatives to improve the work environment etc.). (Desirable)
• An interest in student supervision (postgraduate and undergraduates). (Desirable)

Qualifications:

• Associate Level, PhD awarded in a relevant discipline.