19981BR
School of Physics & Astronomy
Research
Advert
Research Associate
School of Physics & Astronomy - Cardiff University
The research associate will become a member of the star formation group which is currently composed of five academic staff, three research associates, and eight PhD students. They will also be part of the active and diverse Cardiff Hub for Astrophysics Research and Technology (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/physics-astronomy/research/research-groups/chart) which covers a broad range of astrophysics research and instrumentation.
A completed, or near to completion, PhD in Astronomy, Physics, or closely related area is required.
In the application, please include a cover letter, CV, and a research statement (max. 3 pages) including information on previous and current work alongside future plans. Please ensure you have read the job specifications and that you address how you fulfil those in your application. You will also be asked to nominate two referees that would be able to provide a reference letter.
The post is a full-time, fixed-term for 36 months, with a starting date of 1st July 2025.
Salary: £40,497 - £45,413 per annum (Grade 6). It is not anticipated that an appointment be made above £40,497 per annum, point 6.32.
https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/jobs/what-we-can-offer/financial-benefits/pay-scales
For informal enquiries about the post please contact Dr. Nicolas Peretto nicolas.peretto@astro.cf.ac.uk
For informal enquiries about working at Cardiff School of Physics and Astronomy please contact Helen James PhysicsHR@cardiff.ac.uk
IMPORTANT NOTE TO CANDIDATES: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing and we only invite candidates to interview who clearly evidence that they meet (or partially meet) each of the essential criteria. During the application process you will be asked to attach a supporting statement. This statement must outline how you meet the criteria below and we recommended formatting this by using each criterion as a sub-heading and providing your relevant experience/evidence below each sub-heading. It is crucial that you save your supporting statement with the vacancy number (19981BR) in the filename as failure to do so may result in it being omitted from your application.
When attaching the supporting statement to your application, please ensure that you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance 19981BR.
Please provide a CV, cover letter, research statement (max 3 pages), and names of 2 referees.
Date Advertised: 14 April 2025
Closing date: 12 May 2025
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English. We very much welcome applications in Welsh.
Cardiff University and the School of Physics and Astronomy are committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity. Our inclusive environment welcomes applications from talented people from diverse backgrounds. We strongly welcome female applicants and those from any ethnic minority group, as they are underrepresented in our School. The School of Physics & Astronomy has a Juno Champion accreditation and an Athena SWAN Silver award that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women and other minorities working in science. The University is committed to ensuring that we sustain a positive working environment for all staff to flourish and achieve. As part of this commitment, the University has developed a flexible and responsive framework of procedures to support staff in managing their work and personal commitments wherever possible. Applications are welcome from individuals who wish to work part-time or full time.
Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University
Job Description
Research
- To conduct research within the STFC-funded LAGAF project which aims at revealing the physics of Galactic star cluster formation using ALMA molecular line observations of parsec-scale clumps and to contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
- To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
- To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
- To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
- To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
- To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
- To participate in School research activities.
- To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects
Other
- To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
- To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
- To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
- Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Qualifications And Education
- Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience
Knowledge, Skills And Experience3. Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field
- An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
- Expertise in the earliest phases of star formation
- Expertise in the analysis of (sub-)millimetre radio interferometry data
- Proven ability to publish in international journals / international conferences and/or other research outputs
- Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies
- Proven ability to be successful in leading competitive observing time applications
Communication and Team Working
- Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
- Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals
Other
- Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
- Proven ability to work without close supervision
Additional Information
To conduct research within the STFC-funded LAGAF project which aims at revealing the physics of Galactic star cluster formation using ALMA molecular line observations of parsec-scale clumps and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.
Salary Range Min.
40,497
Salary Range Max.
45,413
Job Category
Academic - Research
Grade
Grade 6
