Postdoctoral Research Associate

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed Term: initially for 12 months, with possibility for extension

The Opportunity:

The appointed PDRA will work in the group of Prof. Marialuisa Aliotta (PI) to conduct research in nuclear astrophysics for the UKRI-funded ERC Advanced Grant “NUCLEAR: NUclear Clustering Effects in Astrophysical Reactions” The appointed PDRA will develop and apply R-matrix evaluations of experimental data on nuclear reactions cross sections of astrophysical interest, to support the research within the group and contirbute to a vibrant and exciting research area.  Working closely with the PI and collaborator DR James deBoer (Notre Dame University, US), the PDRA will contribute to, and utilize, a set of tools designed for these purposes.  The PDRA will maintain close ties with the PI's research team, providing R-matrix global fits of experimental data and contributing to the evaluation of astrophysical reason rates.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in experimental nuclear astrophysics, especially in underground laboratories, as well as an excellent academic track record of strong publications and leadership in the field. In addition, s/he will be expected to co-supervise research students and to contribute to project provision and supervision of graduate and undergraduate students. The successful candidate is expected to engage in frequent field trips to overseas laboratories, present their work at collaboration meetings as required, and maintain a good collaborative attitude.

The Edinburgh Nuclear Physics Group has an outstanding reputation for scientific leadership and innovative instrumentation in diverse areas of nuclear physics including nuclear astrophysics and properties of exotic nuclei. The Group’s research is performed at world-leading laboratories, using a variety of experimental techniques and state-of-the-art instrumentation developed by the Group. 

The School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among its workforce and eliminating discrimination. The School strives to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace for all, and we are looking to actively diversify our staff. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and encourage applications from people of colour, women, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people and other minority and under-represented groups. We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working, as evidenced by our Juno Champion and Athena SWAN Silver awards.

The level of appointment for the PDRA post will be determined by the selection panel depending on the experience of the successful candidate. 

A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle: 

Responsibility and autonomy.

Excellent benefits and support.

Contributing to the work and purpose of the University.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

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