Research Fellow, School of Mathematics and Physics

Job Description:

The School of Mathematics & Physics at Queen’s University Belfast, is currently seeking to appoint a Research Fellow to work on observations and analysis of rare and energetic astrophysical transients and follow up gravitational wave events.

The successful applicant will work with Dr Matt Nicholl in searching for kilonovae, superluminous supernovae and tidal disruption events in time-domain sky surveys, coordinating follow-up observations and applying physical models. The role will also involve collaborating with theorists and developing methods to filter alerts.

The transients group at QUB have full access to data from current and future facilities including ATLAS, PanSTARRS, ePESSTO+, SOXS, 4MOST, LS4 and Rubin, ongoing programs with LT and VLT, and expertise in light curve and spectral modelling.

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate you have:

• A PhD in astrophysics or a closely related discipline, either awarded or submitted by the time of taking up the post
• Research experience in analysing data for at least one of: supernovae, kilonovae, or SMBH transients
• Demonstrable experience in programming in Python and standard astronomy software packages. 

You are also required to submit your full CV, including publication list, cover letter, and two-page research statement evidencing how your experience meets the criteria. This must be collated into one file for uploading. For further information including further essential/desirable criteria please visit www.qub.ac.uk/jobs or click to Apply.

Please note the above are not an exhaustive list.

This is a fixed term post available for 36 months, or available until 31/08/2026, whichever is sooner. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

At Queen’s our people are at the heart of everything we do. As a staff member you will become part of a vibrant organisational culture, which will provide you with the opportunity to achieve your full potential and enhance your career through a continuous focus on learning and development.

We offer an excellent employment package that includes:

• Great terms & conditions
• Pension schemes
• Flexible working by enabling you to design your working week in collaboration with your manager through a blend of remote and office working
• Family-friendly initiatives
• Career development opportunities
• Support for health & mental wellbeing
• Generous holiday entitlement of 8.4 weeks a year (made up of 23 days annual leave, 10 closure days and 9 bank holidays)

Queen’s University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We have created an inclusive culture by establishing staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.

We also subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI in addition to Athena Swan. For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit:  www.qub.ac.uk/diversity; www.qub.ac.uk/sites/QueensGenderInitiative/ and www.qub.ac.uk/sites/StaffGateway/StaffNetworks/

Informal enquiries may be directed to Dr Matt Nicholl (matt.nicholl@qub.ac.uk).

Candidate Information
About the Astrophysics Research Centre
Attractive Reward Package
Information for International Applicants