Academic ConnectResearch Associate in Astrophysics
Job number
NAT02008
Faculties
Faculty of Natural Sciences
Departments
Department of Physics
Salary or Salary range
£49,017 - £57,472 per annum
Location/campus
South Kensington Campus - Hybrid
Contract type work pattern
Full time - Fixed term
Posting End Date
17 Sept 2025
About the role
The post is funded by the UKRI to contribute to the analysis of the Simons Observatory (SO) Cosmic Microwave Background data. The post holder will collaborate on the development of a B-mode estimation pipeline for large angular scale data returned by the SO Small Aperture Telescopes (SATs).
The post holder will contribute to independent and original research within the Universe Community, submit publications to refereed journals and help with the administration of the research group. The postholder will work with members of both the Theoretical and Astrophysics Groups in the Universe Research Community.
This project will involve a high degree of teamwork and interdisciplinary research.
What you would be doing
Research Duties:
- To take initiatives in the planning of research
- To direct the work of small research teams
- To identify and develop suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection and analysis of data
- To conduct data analysis
- To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
- To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
- To write reports for submission to research sponsors
- To present findings to colleagues and at conferences
- To submit publications to refereed journals
- To provide guidance to staff and students
- To attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary
- To develop contacts and research collaborations within the College and the wider community
- To promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the College
- To provide guidance to PhD Students
- Contribute to bids for research grants
- To conduct and plan own scientific work with appropriate supervision.
- To maintain highly organised and accurate record of experimental work
- To actively participate in the research programme of the Group
- To publish in high quality journals and to present data at national and international meetings
- To participate in Group research meetings and internal seminars
- To collaborate with other allied scientists within Imperial College and elsewhere in London and abroad, as appropriate
- To contribute to the smooth running of the Group’s laboratories and, facilities with other scientists, clinicians, technicians and students within the laboratories
- Assist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research students and research assistants as required
- To comply with the College, Division, and Unit safety practices and to attend courses on safety when appropriate
- Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable by Head of group as well as Head of Division/Department/Section
Other Duties:
- To undertake any necessary training and/or development
- To undertake appropriate administration tasks
- To attend relevant meetings
Where Imperial or funder conditions necessitate, you will be required to complete timesheets for your work on projects in a timely manner.
What we are looking for
Experience:
- Practical experience within a research environment and/or publication in relevant and refereed journals;
- Experience in object-oriented coding, for example, in astronomical data processing or cosmological simulations;
- Practical research experience in Cosmic Microwave Background Theory or Analysis;
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of astrophysics and cosmology subject areas at postgraduate level;
- Strong background in statistical analysis and inference methods;
- Knowledge of research methods and statistical Procedures;
- Hold a PhD in Theoretical Physics or Astrophysics or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience
*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.
What we can offer you
- Participation in a cutting-edge CMB experiment.
- Opportunity for interdisciplinary work as part of an international team of researchers.
- Learn, develop, and apply cutting-edge inference methods for big data sets.
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
- Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression
- Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
Further information
Please note the job advert is for 24 months with possibility of extension
_If you require any further details on the role please contact: [Prof Contaldi] – [c.contaldi@gmail.com]._
Available documents
Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.
arrow_backBack to list Send job to a friend Print this page
Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.
We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date stated should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you encounter any technical issues while applying online, please don't hesitate to email us at support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk. We're here to help.