Research Assistant/Associate in Neutron Stars

Requisition ID: 27904

Location: Newcastle, GB

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Working Pattern: Full Time

Posted Date: 4 Feb 2025

Research Assistant: £32,296 to £33,882 per annum

Research Associate: £34,866 to £37,999 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 18 March 2025

The Role

The position is funded by the Royal Society and will be supervised by Dr. Andrei Igoshev at Newcastle University. The wider Newcastle group has expertise in compact objects, active galactic nuclei, stars, cosmology, and magneto-hydrodynamics.

The role involves developing Dedalus-based codes (other alternatives include MagIC, PARODY or other pseudo-spectral codes capable of solving equations in spherical geometry) to solve systems of magnetohydrodynamics equations relevant for modelling superconductivity in neutron star cores. Applications are particularly welcome from candidates with experience in numerical modelling of solar tachocline, geo- and stellar dynamo, neutron star cooling, magnetic field evolution in neutron stars and/or candidates with expertise in theory of superconductivity.

The position is 2 years fixed term in duration with a possibility for extension for another 2 years. The role is full-time hours (37 per week) and an estimated start date of December 2025. Start dates and flexible working are negotiable.

To apply, please complete the online application by uploading a CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should outline, in two pages or less, how your experience meets the criteria as set out in the person specification and interests are suitable for the post. Short-listing will take place as soon as possible after the application submission deadline.

The Person

• Advanced programming skills in Python and/or Fortran
• Demonstrable interest in neutron star astrophysics
• Excellent written and oral presentation skills

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Expertise or demonstrable interest in MHD simulations
• Expertise or demonstrable interest in one of pseudo-spectral codes such as Dedalus, MagIC, Parody
• Research background in astrophysics or a closely related discipline
• Strong understanding of research integrity

Attributes and Behaviour

• Commitment to the values of equality and diversity in your work
• A positive attitude and ability to act as a role model to students and colleagues
• High level of problem-solving ability and attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communicator; ability to communicate with a variety of individuals
• Proficient time management skills
• An ability to work independently under supervision and as part of a multi-disciplinary team

Qualifications

Essential for Research Assistant Position: Studying for a PhD (or equivalent professional experience), in Astrophysics, Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics, Applied Mathematics or a closely related discipline.

Essential for Research Associate Position: Completed and awarded PhD in Astrophysics, Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics, Applied Mathematics or a closely related discipline.

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.