Research Fellow – Extragalactic Observations of the High-Redshift Universe Full-time NEW

Research Fellow – Extragalactic Observations of the High-Redshift Universe

The Astrophysics Group is one of the largest in the UK, comprising about 130 members of academic, research and support staff, of which 21 are academic staff members. Our research areas cover galaxy formation and evolution, cosmology, gravitational waves, massive stars, star formation and stellar evolution, interstellar and circumstellar processes, exo-planetary and planetary science, atmospheric physics and instrumentation. UCL's Department of Physics & Astronomy has a strong track record of investment and scientific leadership in facilities such as JWST, DES, DESI, 4MOST, Euclid, Ariel, Rubin-LSST, PFS, JCMT, Litebird as well as participation at co-I level of instruments on large explorer mission concepts such as Cassini and JUICE with participation in many other mission and instrument concept designs.

UCL is one of the world's top universities based in the heart of London. It is a modern, outward-looking institution. UCL's staff and former students have included 33 Nobel prize winners. It is a truly international community: more than one-third of our student body – more than 50,000 strong – come from 150 countries and nearly one-third of staff are from outside the UK. The Department of Physics & Astronomy is located in the heart of the historical area of Bloomsbury. Scientific research and study has been a strong feature of UCL since its inception in 1826 and the Department is currently one of the top ranked Physics departments in the country, and indeed the world. We have forged an internationally renowned reputation for being at the forefront of world leading research and providing high class teaching. Those joining us can expect to be part of a dynamic community of Physicists and Astronomers whose enthusiasm for science and innovation is exceptional.

About the Role

This position is for a 3-year PDRA (starting date between 1st January and 1st April 2027, by mutual agreement) in the Astrophysics Group of UCL's Department of Physics & Astronomy, working in Dr. Guido Roberts-Borsani's group on galaxy formation and evolution in the first billion years with the James Webb Space Telescope, as part of the OMEGA project funded by a European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant. The successful applicant will carry out high-impact research on the interstellar medium, stellar, and black hole properties of high-redshift galaxies, using JWST spectroscopy from the PI's approved programmes (in particular DAJE-JWST and OMEGA-JWST) to advance our understanding of galaxy properties and chemical enrichment from cosmic reionization to cosmic dawn. Depending on the project's needs and the candidate's expertise, the research will address one or more of OMEGA's core themes: the ionisation structure of the interstellar medium and robust metallicity measurements; the physical origins of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen (CNO) abundance ratios; the burstiness and modes of star formation at high redshift; and the pace at which early galaxies built up their chemical reservoirs. In addition to producing first-author publications, the PDRA is also expected to develop their own research ideas and telescope proposals, engage and coordinate with the PI's existing collaborations, contribute to the social and intellectual life of the wider Astrophysics Group, and support the supervision of PhD students working on related themes.

All applications require the following documents compiled as a single PDF (submitted as the mandatory CV attachment in the application portal): Cover letter, CV, Research statement (max 3 pages), List of publications. All applications also require 2 letters of reference to be sent separately by the referees via email to Guido Roberts-Borsani (g.robertsborsani@ucl.ac.uk)

For any enquiries related to the position, please contact Guido Roberts-Borsani (g.robertsborsani@ucl.ac.uk) or Kay Nakum (k.nakum@ucl.ac.uk).

About You

The successful candidate will hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in astrophysics, with a strong track record of observational extragalactic research and publications in leading peer-reviewed journals. They will have experience analysing spectroscopic and/or photometric data from JWST (experience with other major observatories such as HST, Keck, VLT, or ALMA, is a bonus), and strong working knowledge of ISM physics of high-redshift galaxies. Programming and data-analysis skills are essentials, as is the ability to plan and prioritise their own research, work well under tight deadlines, coordinating between international collaborations, and deliver high-quality results. Experience presenting published works at conferences and preparing successful telescope proposals is considered an advantage.

What We Offer

Starting salary offered in the range £46,261 – £54,019 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance. As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 days' holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
• Option to purchase 5 additional days' annual leave
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, and immigration loan
• Relocation support for eligible posts
• On-site nursery and gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Staff Support Service (employee assistance programme)
• Discounted medical insurance

Full details: UCL Rewards and Benefits.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL's workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.” Read more: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

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