Research Associate Theoretical Stellar Hydrodynamics

Starting Range £38,784 – £47,389 per annum (Incremental Progression). Grade 7

The Opportunity

This post represents an exciting opportunity for a committed team member to join a team of staff in Keele University’s Astrophysics Research Centre (https://www.keele.ac.uk/astrophysics-centre/), School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences. 

The Person

We wish to appoint a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) starting as soon as possible, to conduct research in theoretical stellar astrophysics. 

The appointed PDRA will work in the group of Prof Raphael Hirschi within the Astrophysics Group to conduct research on 3D hydrodynamic simulations of massive stars and theoretical stellar astrophysics for the STFC-funded project entitled “Synergetic 321D modelling of SN, NS and BH progenitors”, as part of the BRIDGCE UK consortium (https://www.bridgce.ac.uk/). 

The appointed PDRA will take responsibility for the component of this project related to 3D-1D modelling of stellar interiors. This will include a range of computer simulations including in particular 3D hydrodynamics simulations with as main goal to improve modelling of convection in stellar evolution and produce next-generation progenitor models of SN, NS and BHs building synergy between 3D and 1D stellar modelling. The PDRA will also contribute to code development (including GPU porting) and be encouraged to develop their own research program and their leadership skills. The PDRA will benefit from the support of BRIDGCE collaborators Profs Alex Murphy (Edinburgh), Alison Laird (York) and Jorick Vink (Armagh) and SHYNE team collaborators (e.g. Prof Dave Arnett, Arizona, US).

Applicants should have or expect to obtain a PhD in theoretical stellar astrophysics or a related area and should have proven experience in research. Experience in 3D hydrodynamic simulations of stars (or stellar evolution modelling, theoretical work on stellar convection, rotation or magnetic fields) is highly desirable.

The appointment will be made for up to 25 month’s with the latest end date of 31 March 2028.

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 15,000 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/

For further enquiries please contact Prof Raphael Hirschi at r.hirschi@keele.ac.uk. 

Keele University is committed to the principles of the Athena Swan charter, and values equality and diversity across our workforce. We strive to ensure that our workforce is representative of broader society, and therefore, we would actively welcome applications from women for this role.   

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.

Keele University values equity 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.

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

Closing date for applications: 06 January 2026

Interviews will be held on: 23 January 2026

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