"Postdoctoral Researcher in Astrophysics/Computer Science"

Department: Physics

Vacancy ID: 040323

Closing Date: 31-Mar-2026

We are seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Astrophysics/Computer Science. The successful applicant will join the star and planet formation research group led by Dr Emma Whelan. For more information on the work of the group please see https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/physics/our-research.

This position is part of the CARINA project which is funded through a Research Ireland Frontiers of the Future grant. CARINA stands for Combining Machine Learning with Forefront Astronomical Instrumentation to Probe Intermediate Mass Star Formation. CARINA is focussed on developing case agnostic, multi-sector machine learning tools to efficiently handle datasets generated by integral field spectroscopy and time domain surveys. The testbed for the machine learning tools is the question of how planets form in the disks of Intermediate Mass Herbig Ae/Be stars.

The successful candidate will have the responsibility of developing, in collaboration with Dr Whelan and the PhD students, machine learning tools for the handling of the Mauve and MUSE datasets. They will also be expected to lead the research into innovative ways in which the machine learning tools can be valuable in other sectors.

Post-Doctoral Researcher (2026) Salary Scale: €46,805 (1point with increment)

Appointments will be made in accordance with public sector pay provisions.

Closing Date:

23:30hrs (local Irish time) on Tuesday, 31st March 2026.

Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified above. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system.

Late applications will not be accepted.

Maynooth University is an equal opportunities employer

The position is subject to the Statutes of the University