Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Star Cluster Research (3 years fixed term)

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a distinctive, unique institution, rooted in the Liverpool City Region and with a global presence. Our students and staff, past, present, and future, are the beating heart of our city and can be found in every corner of every industry and community. We couldn’t exist anywhere else and have shaped the city in which we belong. Working with the people of Liverpool to improve lives and support communities is at the heart of why we were founded and why we exist today.

The Astrophysics Research Institute (ARI) is one of the largest and most active astrophysics groups in the UK, with expertise in star formation, stellar evolution, time-domain astrophysics, galaxy formation, cosmology, and the development of new instrumentation and technology. 

We are now looking for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Star Cluster Research (3 years fixed term) to join our Astrophysics Research Institute, working with Dr. Sebastian Kamann on the evolution of massive star clusters. You will join the UKRI-funded research project "Stellar Clusters as the Nurseries of Back Holes". The project is focused on understanding the interplay between star cluster evolution, binary stars, and the growth of black holes using state-of-the-art observational data. Funding is available from November 1, 2024.

You will develop and lead your own project(s) using data from facilities such as VLT/MUSE, HST, JWST, or Gaia. You should have a PhD in Astrophysics prior to starting. You should also have some expertise in either stellar kinematics, stellar rotation, binary star analyses, or star cluster simulations (with an interest in comparisons between simulations and observations). Interested candidates with expertise outside of these areas are encouraged to contact Dr. Kamann.

In return, we offer an excellent benefits package including generous annual leave entitlement, pension scheme, induction, and development support as well as family-friendly policies.

This is an exciting time to join the university as we deliver the LJMU Strategy 2030 and its vision of LJMU as an inclusive civic university transforming lives and futures, by placing students at the heart of everything we do. 

If you feel that this is the role you have been looking for and your skills and experience can make a real difference at LJMU, we look forward to hearing from you.

To apply, please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below and upload a CV and a covering letter to include a list of publications, contact information for two references, and a brief statement of research interests. In your covering letter, we encourage you to describe how you might contribute to the work environment and culture at the ARI.

The Astrophysics Research Institute is proud of its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, having recently been awarded Athena SWAN Gender Equality Bronze status and endeavours to cultivate a staff base that is representative of society. We therefore encourage applications from all individuals who meet the advert criteria, but would particularly encourage women, BAME, LGBTQ+, non-binary and individuals with a disability to apply. 

Please note all of our vacancies will be closed to applications at midnight on the advertised closing date, unless otherwise stated.

LJMU are committed to adhering to the Principles set out in the Researcher Development Concordat; in line with this all fixed-term researchers will be supported to complete 10 days professional development activities per year (pro-rata).