Lecturer in Physics (Astronomy / Astrophysics)

Department of Physics

Location: Egham
Salary: £46,548 per annum - including London Allowance
This is the expected starting salary for this post however appointment at a higher point may be made for candidates who demonstrate exceptional skills and experience relevant to the role.
Post Type: Full Time
Closing Date: 23.59 hours BST on Tuesday 14 May 2023
Reference: 0323-121

Full-Time, Permanent (2x posts available)

The School of Engineering, Physical and Mathematical Sciences (EPMS) at Royal Holloway, University of London comprises the Departments of Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Information Security, Mathematics and Physics. We are pleased to announce that the School is embarking on an ambitious period of expansion in data science, artificial intelligence, computing, information security, digital engineering and physical science and, as part of this expansion, applications are invited for two Lectureships within the Department of Physics.  

The Department of Physics has a record of outstanding research and hosts established research groups in dark matter searches and quantum technologies for fundamental physics, which bring together research groupings across particle physics, theoretical physics, nanotechnologies and ultra-low temperature physics, and have recently initiated a new research group in Gravitational Waves.  Research with the Physics Department is supported by GRID computing facilities, the SuperFab nanofabrication facility, the London Low Temperature Laboratory and the John Adams Institute for Accelerator Science, with collaborations at CERN, LIGO, SNOLAB, SURF, LNGS, J-PARC, CLIC, KEK, ESS and the Diamond Light Source, and in the SEPnet and the NExT Institute for Particle Phenomenology research networks. 

The Department of Physics is committed to delivering excellent teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. The Physics Department hosts a teaching observatory, with an automated, equatorially mounted Schmidt-Cassegrain 12" telescope with spectrometer for undergraduate students, and has recently received funds to build another, remotely operated robotic observatory. Students on our IoP accredited degrees undertake research projects embedded in our 100% world-leading and internationally excellent research environment (as described in REF21).

We are seeking to appoint two lecturers in astronomy/astrophysics and particularly welcome applications from those with an interest in applying artificial intelligence tools to astronomy/astrophysics to establish new scientific directions in our research programme. Applicants should either have, or have the potential for producing, high quality publications and attracting significant research funding. Applicants will have a track record demonstrated excellence, or will show the potential for excellence, in delivering undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and the supervision of both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The post holder will be expected to contribute strongly to the development of research impact, and the successful applicant will have, or have the potential to have, a strong track record in this area.  

The Department plays an active part in inter-disciplinary activities and benefits from a number of University led initiatives including the ‘Transformative Digital Technologies, Security and Society’, ‘Advanced Quantum Science and Technologies’ and ‘Living Sustainably’ research catalysts and the School will be leading the establishment of a new Centre of Applied AI.   In addition to the opportunities with the Department of Physics, the post holder(s) will have the opportunity to play a full role in the growth of Applied AI within the School, and across the University more generally, with the opportunity to collaborate in development of new MSc programmes in this area. 

The Department of Physics is committed to reducing gender inequality, as recognised by the award of Athena SWAN silver status and the renewal of Physics Juno Champion status in 2022, and strongly welcome applications from groups under-represented in academic posts.  

Royal Holloway recognises the importance of helping its employees balance their work and home life by offering flexible working arrangements.  We are happy to consider a request for flexible working for this post including part time, job share or compressed working hours. 

Royal Holloway offers a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement 
• Training and Development opportunities
• Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution 
• Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing. 
• Free parking 

The posts are based in Egham, Surrey where the College is situated in a beautiful, leafy campus near to Windsor Great Park and within commuting distance from London.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact the Head of Department, Professor Stephen Gibson Stephen.Gibson@rhul.ac.uk

For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at: recruitment@rhul.ac.uk 

Please quote the reference: 0323-121

Closing Date: 23:59, 14 May 2023

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Further details: Job Description Person Specification    

The university has adopted hybrid working for some roles therefore some remote working may be possible for this role.

Royal Holloway is committed to equality and diversity, and encourages applications from all sections of the community. Read here about structures and initiatives around equality and diversity, including information on staff diversity networks.