Assistant Professor

Salary: £44,414 to £52,841 with potential progression once in post to £59,450

Role Summary

The School of Physics and Astronomy and Institute for Gravitational Wave Astronomy at the University of Birmingham invite applications for a faculty position in astrophysics at the Assistant/Associate Professor level. The focus of the position is on the broad area of gravitational-wave astronomy.

The School’s research portfolio is wide-ranging, and covers three principal themes: Quantum Matter; Particle and Nuclear Physics; and Astronomy and Experimental Gravity. It has over 120 academic and research staff together with 120 graduate students with around 50 technical and clerical support staff.

The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of the Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School’s commitment to promote diversity and equality, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all students and staff can achieve their full potential.  We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, but applications from traditionally underrepresented groups in physics and astronomy, such as women and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic, are particularly encouraged.

The Institute for Gravitational Wave Astronomy is one of the leading research centres world-wide focusing on gravitational wave astronomy and related areas. The Institute has a rich portfolio of research activities in experimental physics, instrumentation, data analysis and observations, theoretical astrophysics and general relativity, and transients and multi-messenger astronomy. Institute members play active roles in the GEO Collaboration and the LIGO Scientific Collaboration – including the development of next generation ground-based gravitational-wave observatories – the LISA Consortium, the European and International Pulsar Timing Array Collaboration, and surveys such as ENGRAVE, STARGATE and LSST. The Institute has excellent laboratory and computer facilities.

As part of their application, applicants should include: (i) a CV, including full publication list, (ii) a statement of future research plans and objectives (max 3 pages), (iii) a statement on teaching experience (max 2 mages).

Person Specification

• Normally, a PhD in physics, or astronomy or mathematics or in other relevant areas, or equivalent qualifications
• Extensive research/teaching experience and scholarship within subject specialism
• Proven ability to devise, advise on and manage learning/research
• Skills in managing, motivating and mentoring others successfully at all levels

For further information and informal inquiries please contact Dr Christopher Moore (C.J.Moore@bham.ac.uk), Dr Geraint Pratten (M.Nicholl.1@bham.ac.uk), Dr Patricia Schmidt (P.Schmidt@bham.ac.uk), or Prof. Alberto Vecchio (a.vecchio@bham.ac.uk)

Applicants should also arrange for 3 reference letters to be sent to Ms Joanne Cox at j.s.cox@bham.ac.uk by the closing date.

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above or visit our careers website.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

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