Research Fellow
Research Fellow
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£ 36636 - 46049
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Position Details
School of Physics and Astronomy
Location: University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range 36636 to 46049 with potential progression once in post to 48822
Grade7
Full Time Fixed Term contract up to 3 years
Closing date:21st December 2025
International Travel will be required for this role
Background:
The Astrophysics and Space Research group at the University of Birmingham (UK) invites applications for a 3-year postdoc position in theoretical high-energy astrophysics. This position will focus on the modelling of tidal disruption events and their potential to study supermassive black holes as part of the ERC Starting Grant project Unleash-TDEs led by Clément Bonnerot.
Located at the heart of the beautiful campus of the University of Birmingham the Astrophysics and Space Research group provides a vibrant and diverse research environment with expertise in areas such as theoretical and observational extragalactic astrophysics and gravitational-wave astronomy (for a full list of group members see: School of Physics and Astronomy is a world-leading physics department recently ranked top in the UK for 4-star-category research by the Research Excellence Framework 2021. It has over 130 academic and research staff together with 120 PhD students and a wide-ranging research portfolio covering three principal themes: Quantum Matter Particle and Nuclear Physics and Astronomy and Astrophysics.
The University of Birmingham is an equal opportunity employer. The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Athena SWAN Silver Award holder and JUNO Champion welcomes people from all backgrounds and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who we are. We encourage applications from all qualified applicants; those from minority groups who are under-represented in this discipline are particularly welcome.
Role Summary:
We are especially looking for candidates with interest and experience in the theoretical study of high-energy astrophysical systems particularly making use of simulations. The hired postdoc will primarily focus on the modelling of tidal disruption events but will also be encouraged to gain independence and pursue their own ideas on related topics. The research work will primarily be in collaboration with Clément Bonnerot and benefit from the support of a team of local and international partners involved in the project.
The position comes with a generous allowance to cover travels to conferences and research visits and guaranteed access to the universitys high-performance supercomputer BlueBEAR. Additionally the successful candidate will have the opportunity to supervise students acquire teaching experience participate in outreach activities organize international meetings and get any support or training needed for their personal and career development.
If you require any additional information do not hesitate to get in touch.
The research work may include:
- Studying the hydrodynamics of tidal disruption events using simulations
- Predicting the emission from tidal disruption events using radiative transfer calculations
- Working within specified research grants and projects
- Operating within the area of theoretical high-energy astrophysics
- Analysing and interpreting research findings and results
- Contributing to generating funding
Main Duties:
The responsibilities may include some but not all the responsibilities outlined below.
- Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research with assistance of a mentor if required
- Contribute to writing bids for research funding
- Analyse and interpret data
- Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
- Disseminate research findings for publication research seminars etc
- Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
- Contribute to developing new models techniques and methods
- Undertake management/administration arising from research
- Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
- Contribute to enterprise business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University often under supervision of a project leader
- Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods such as scientific experimentation literature reviews and research interviews
- Present research outputs including drafting academic publications or parts thereof for example at seminars and as posters
- Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
- Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
Person Specification
- PhD (or near to completion) in physics astrophysics mathematics computer science or related subjects
- Expertise in the theoretical study of high-energy astrophysical systems (preferably tidal disruption events) by means of hydrodynamics simulations including effects such as radiation transport magnetic fields and general relativity
- High level analytical capability
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly
- Fluency in relevant models techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
- Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
- Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
- Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
- Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
- Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
The application deadline is on 11th January 2026. The successful applicant would nominally start in April 2026 but the date can be negotiated if needed.
Applications must include a CV a full list of publications and a statement of research interests and plans (2 pages maximum). Please also arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent by email to Clément Bonnerot () by the application deadline.
We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyoneon our website.
Employment Type
Full-Time
