Astronomy Group

Location: Highfield Campus
Salary: £31,406 to £32,344 per annum
Full Time Fixed Term for 10 months
Closing Date: Monday 18 October 2021
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Reference: 1525421WF

Do you want to be part of a project that could redefine the public awareness of the large-scale universe?

Your experience with modern astrophysics, preferably galaxy evolution, simulation-based programming or game development will enable you to seize this great opportunity to build the next generation prototype of 'Astera' (https://astera.soton.ac.uk/), our extragalactic cosmological visualization tool. You will have the opportunity to build your career as you will have creative freedom and responsibility, on the front lines of developing a product that has considerable educational potential.

To help us develop this exciting advancement you will have a PhD or equivalent professional qualifications and experience in computational sciences or related field and have programming experience with an object-oriented framework with a focus on simulation/modelling or game development.

The following would be beneficial but not essential:-

• Familiarisation with modern astrophysical literature.
• Experience with version control and other modern programming tools.
• Experience with Unreal Engine, or similar (e.g., Unity)
• General game development experience.

This is a full fixed-term position of 10 months due to funding restrictions supported by the Follow on Funding scheme of the Science and Technology Facilities Council.

The School of Physics and Astronomy is a friendly and supportive environment to work in. We are strongly committed to diversity in both the academic and student population and you will be supported in developing your career while maintaining a good work-life balance through our clear family-friendly policies. 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is central to the ethos in Physics and Astronomy. We particularly encourage women, Black, Asian and minority ethnic, LGBT and disabled applicants to apply for this position. We are strongly committed to diversity in both the academic and student population, and in recognition we were awarded an Athena SWAN Silver award in 2018 and the Institute of Physics Project Juno Champion status in 2019. Physics and Astronomy gives full consideration to applicants that wish to work flexibly, including part-time, and due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy*, and onsite childcare facilities. For further information please visit https://www.phys.soton.ac.uk/EqualityandDiversity

The University of Southampton is in the top 1% of world universities and in the top 10 of the UK’s research-intensive universities. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and being a globally responsible university and has recently been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.  Our vision is to embed the principles of sustainability into all aspects of our individual and collective work, integrating sustainable development into our business planning, policy-making, and professional activities.

 *subject to qualifying criteria

**Upon appointment you will be known as Research Fellow or Senior Research Assistant dependent upon whether you have achieved a PhD.

You should submit your completed online application form at https://jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Kate Pounds (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 2750, or email recruitment@soton.ac.uk. Please quote reference 1525421WF on all correspondence.