"Research Associate/Assistant in observational Event Horizon Telescope (mm-VLBI) Science (Fixed Term)"

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance, with the possibility for extension up to one year.

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position at the Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge, to work within the research group of Prof. Sera Markoff.

The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) is a global millimetre-VLBI array designed to directly image the event horizon regions of two nearby supermassive black holes, Sgr A* and M87*, as well as the inner jets of nearby active galactic nuclei (AGN). We are seeking a curious and highly interactive postdoctoral researcher, ideally with VLBI experience on AGN, to join the new research team of Sera Markoff at the IoA. The successful candidate will help propose for, and contribute to, the analysis and calibration of new EHT and multi-wavelength observations. They will join and collaborate with members of the EHT, as well as the ERC Synergy grant project "Blackholistic" (involving Universities of Amsterdam, Radboud/Nijmegen, Oxford, Namibia and Turku/Finland), aimed at understanding accretion and jet formation for black holes of all scales. The successful candidate will work within this interdisciplinary team of observers and theorists, to interpret existing data. They will also help design innovative observational programmes that take into account new developments such as high-frequency observations, the incorporation of additional stations such as the Africa Millimetre Telescope in Namibia, and techniques such as frequency phase transfer.

The IoA provides a vibrant and stimulating research environment in astrophysics. The interdepartmental Kavli Institute for Cosmology, Cambridge is located on the same site, fostering connections with neighbouring departments such as the Cavendish Laboratory. The candidate will also help raise awareness of EHT and related science within both Cambridge and the wider UK environment.

Candidates must have a PhD in Physics or Astronomy, or have submitted their PhD thesis by the start of appointment. Applicants should have an established track record of original research and a clear vision for current/future AGN VLBI research. Candidates are expected to demonstrate productivity, excellent communication and data-analysis/computing skills, and enjoy working in a large team that requires frequent travel. A successful candidate with a PhD will be appointed at Grade 7 (Research Associate £37,694 to £46,049 per annum). A candidate who has not been awarded their PhD will initially be appointed at Grade 5 (Research Assistant £34,610 to £35,608 per annum) and, upon award of PhD, promoted to Grade 7.

The University of Cambridge thrives on the diversity of its staff and students. Applications from underrepresented groups are particularly welcome. We have an active Equality and Diversity Committee which continually works to further the aims of the Athena SWAN charter. The University has a number of family-friendly policies and initiatives, including a returning-career scheme, childcare costs support, university workplace nurseries, university holiday play-schemes, and a shared parental-leave policy. As part of its commitment to providing a family-friendly environment for researchers, the IoA ensures that should parental leave be needed during the course of employment, there is provision for extension to contract to compensate for the parental leave taken.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Applications must include a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, list of publications, a statement of research experience and interests (three pages maximum) and contact information of three referees.

The application deadline is 23:59 GMT on Monday, 12th January 2026.

Where applicable, referees will be requested to provide references by 19th January 2026.

Interviews will be provisionally scheduled for early February.

The start date of the appointment is negotiable.

Please refer to further particulars for full instructions. For any queries regarding the application please contact: hr@ast.cam.ac.uk.

Informal inquiries may be addressed to Professor Sera Markoff via sera.markoff@ast.cam.ac.uk

Please reference LG48329 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

Key information

• Department/location: Institute of Astronomy
• Salary: £37,694- £46,049 or £34,610 - £35,608
• Reference: LG48329
• Category: Research
• Date published: 19 December 2025
• Closing date: 12 January 2026