Post-Doctoral Research Assistant

Denys Wilkinson Building, Oxford

The University of Oxford, Sub-department of Astrophysics invites applications for a postdoctoral research position focused on advancing the science and technology required to conduct astronomy from the lunar farside. The successful candidate will contribute to the development and scientific programme of the Lunar Farside Technosignature and Transients Telescope (LFT3; https://lft3.space).

Lunar Farside Technosignature and Transients Telescope (LFT3) aims to exploit the uniquely radio-quiet environment of the lunar farside to perform pioneering low-frequency radio surveys—work that is increasingly time-critical as upcoming lunar missions are expected to introduce radio interference into this pristine region.

Breakthrough Listen is headquartered in the Department of Physics at the University of Oxford, under the leadership of Principal Investigator Dr Andrew Siemion. Listen's interdisciplinary research has synergies with many of the department's research priorities, including exoplanet studies, machine learning, cutting-edge radio instrumentation and digital signal processing, citizen science, sky surveys, and studies of transient and variable objects. Listen is deeply involved with the department's educational mission, including through the supervision of undergraduate and graduate student researchers. The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach. 

Applicants should hold PhD (or close to completion) in Astrophysics, Space Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related field. Previous experience with numerical modelling and simulation relevant to space systems of astrophysics and a proficiency in at least one scientific programming language will be an advantage. Candidates are expected to demonstrate an ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team.

For informal queries, please contact Therese Docherty therese.docherty@physics.ox.ac.uk

The post is full time and fixed term for 2 years subject to funding.

The closing date for applications is 12 PM, GMT, 26 March 2026.

As part of  your application you will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement and to provide details of two referees. Your referees should be asked to send their letter, to Leanne O’Donnell (leanne.odonnell@physics.ox.ac.uk) by the closing date.

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