Post Doctoral Research Associate in “Theoretical Nuclear Astrophysics"

Grade 7

Salary Range £37,099 - £45,585 (incremental progression)

Full time, fixed term for 5 months

The Opportunity

We are looking for an ambitious individual to join a team of staff in Keele University’s Astrophysics Research Centre (see https://www.keele.ac.uk/scps/research/) in the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

The successful candidate will work in the group of Prof Raphael Hirschi to conduct research on stellar nucleosynthesis as part of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101008324 (ChETEC-INFRA, see https://www.chetec-infra.eu/ for more details).

The research Associate will lead the components of the ChETEC-INFRA project related to “Stellar nucleosynthesis tools for access to HPC” (Task 4.1) to provide the nuclear astrophysics community with the stellar nucleosynthesis software tools and user-friendly support to use these tools within an HPC framework. This will include providing dedicated online and in-person training courses for the software tools, and for the data analysis software as well as verifying that codes are fully operational at the UHULL HPC facility included in ChETEC-INFRA.

You will conduct your own research projects or research in collaboration with Prof Hirschi and ChETEC-INFRA collaborators.

Applicants will have a PhD in astrophysics or related subject and have demonstrated an aptitude for research. Experience in nucleosynthesis simulations (e.g. Nugrid software tools: https://nugrid.github.io/ or equivalent) is highly desirable.

The appointment will be made for 5 months (full-time; applicants interested in a part-time position are welcome to apply), with a start date around May/June 2024. 

The Benefits

The University recognises that its success depends upon the contribution and dedication of its talented staff. In return, we have a competitive benefits package available, including:

• Competitive rate of pay with annual increments within the grade (Keele Spine)
• Generous annual leave entitlement with opportunities to purchase additional leave
• Excellent staff pension scheme
• Access to continued personal, professional and career development
• On-site ‘outstanding’ nursery
• Discounted health and fitness facilities on site
• Cycle to work scheme (subject to eligibility)

Please note that the starting salary will typically be at the bottom of the pay scale shown above.

The University is committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible. 

The University

Keele University is renowned for its exciting approach to higher education, innovative research, beautiful campus, strong community spirit and excellent student experience. With a turnover in excess of £170 million, over 12,500 students and a total staff of approximately 2000, the University provides high-quality teaching across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects and promotes world-class research. Further information can be found at https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/

Keele University values equality and diversity across our workforce and to ensuring our staff community is reflective of the diversity of our student population. In support of these commitments the University welcomes applications from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds for all roles.

How to Apply

To apply online for this vacancy and for full post details and copies of job descriptions, please click on the 'Apply' button above. 

Keele University employees wishing to apply should login to Employee Self Service and click on the 'View current vacancies' link.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof Raphael Hirschi r.hirschi@keele.ac.uk. Applications to this address will not be accepted. 

Closing Date: 30 April 2024

Interviews: 15 May 2024

Advert information