Research Associate in Galaxy Formation and Evolution (Fixed Term)

Location: West Cambridge

Salary

£34,610 - £35,608 (Grade 5)

£37,694 - £46,049 (Grade 7)

The Astrophysics Group of the Department of Physics and the Kavli Institute for Cosmology, University of Cambridge, invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in support of activities related to the group's programme on the formation and evolution of galaxies and black holes.

The Astrophysics Group of the Department of Physics and the Kavli Institute for Cosmology, University of Cambridge, invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work in support of activities related to the group's programme on the formation and evolution of galaxies and black holes. The Astrophysics Group and the Kavli Institute for Cosmology conduct a broad programme of astrophysics research involving instrumentation, observation, theory and modelling. Most relevant to this post, the team led by Prof Roberto Maiolino exploits a variety of multi-band data on nearby and distant galaxies, obtained from various observing facilities and surveys, including ALMA, ESO-VLT, JWST NIRSpec and NIRCam GTO and GO programmes, and, soon, with MOONS@VLT. The group also uses extensive cosmological simulations and theoretical models for comparison with observational data.

The successful applicant is expected to work in collaboration with the team led by Prof. Roberto Maiolino on the analysis and interpretation of observational data, with focus on spectroscopic data from some of the facilities discussed above, with the ultimate goal to investigate the physical processes driving galaxy evolution, also through comparison with cosmological simulations.

Further information on the research activities of the Kavli Institute and of the team can be found at:

https://www.kicc.cam.ac.uk

https://www.robertomaiolino.net

Applicants should have a PhD in Astronomy or Astrophysics or a closely related discipline; those who have not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant.

They should have a proven track record in research in astrophysics. The candidate must be experienced with astronomical data analysis and interpretation and familiar with software packages for data analysis.

Start Date: 1st September 2026 (flexible)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 March 2028 in the first instance, with the potential of a further extension, subject to funding.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above. 

Informal enquires may be addressed to Prof. Roberto Maiolino: rm665@cam.ac.uk. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact hr@phy.cam.ac.uk. 

The applicant should upload a CV and a Statement of Research Interests (two pages maximum). The names and contact details of two referees are a necessary part of the submission. 

Please quote reference KA49355 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. 

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