Job Description

Job Reference

0539-25

Date Posted

Thursday 29 May 2025

Application Closing Date

Wednesday 4 June 2025 at 11.59pm

Location

Preston Campus

Salary

29,959 to 32,546 per annum

Basis

Full Time

Contract Type

Fixed Term for 3 months due to being limited by funding

Job Category / Type

Academic / Research

School / Service

School of Engineering and Computing

Hours

37.00 hours per week

Interview Date

Friday 20 June 2025

Job details

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By joining the University of Central Lancashire, you'll become part of a thriving community of talent that's united by a shared vision - to transform the lives of our students and create prosperity and opportunity in the communities we serve. Every colleague has a vital role to play in helping us achieve this vision.

About the role:

The Jeremiah Horrocks Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy, within the School of Engineering and Computing welcomes applications for the post of Post-Doctoral Research Assistant.


Candidates must be able to demonstrate that they are able to conduct research in astrophysics within the JHI, and is of a sufficiently high quality to be returnable in the 2027 Research Excellence Framework (REF). The postholder will be expected To support the research and knowledge transfer activities of Professor Cristina Popescu in the School of Engineering & Computing. The main research interests of Professor Popescu includes galaxy formation and evolution and the physics of the interstellar medium in star-forming galaxies, with particular emphasise in the radiative transfer modelling of galaxies. The post holder will undertake work on radiative transfer modelling, and on code writing and implementation, under the direction of Prof. Popescu.

About you:

We are seeking a dedicated researcher with recent experience in an academic or professional setting, ideally with expertise in radiative transfer modelling and running radiative transfer codes. The successful candidate will have a PhD in Astrophysics (awarded or pending viva) and a strong ability to conduct literature reviews, collaborate on research projects, and contribute to publications. Excellent communication, planning, and organizational skills are essential, along with the ability to work effectively within a team and with external partners. A high level of self-motivation, confidence, and a willingness to travel are key attributes for this role.


For an informal discussion on any of these points, or for any further information, potential applicants may contact Prof. Cristina Popescu, via email in the first instance.

What we can offer you:

Our people are our most important asset. We'll encourage you to make the most of your talents and continually develop your skills and knowledge. As well as realising your career ambitions, you'll be making a positive difference to other people's lives. We also offer a fantastic package of rewards and lifestyle benefits - from an attractive annual leave entitlement to access to a comprehensive employee benefits platform.


We are proud to be a diverse, multicultural university. We are committed to building a truly inclusive culture where diversity is championed. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who will support the diversification within the University and support its development of a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all.


The University is committed to providing a safe environment to study, work and visit, protecting children, young people and adults at risk from harm and abuse. Our safeguarding policy and safer recruitment procedure outlines our approach, alongside other internal policies, procedures and guidance which can be found on our Safeguarding page.


Applicants applying for roles in regulated activity and that are listed as an exception under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 will be required to disclose any spent and unspent convictions and undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check at the appropriate level, the University will only ask an applicant to make an application for a DBS check if they are legally entitled to.

We are proud to share that we will soon be known as the University of Lancashire. Building upon nearly 200 years of academic excellence, this exciting new chapter reflects our commitment and ambition for Lancashire and beyond. We believe in helping people to seize every opportunity to flourish in education, at work and for life. Together, we're here to help you achieve great things.

Where opportunity creates success.