Post Doctoral Research Fellow – Ultraluminous X-Ray Sources

Main duties and responsibilities Applications are invited for a 36-month postdoctoral position to lead and publish original scientific investigations into ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs), which represent the highest luminosity extremes of the X-ray binary population. The successful applicant will be expected to execute a programme of research that includes (but is not necessarily limited to) long-term studies of known ultraluminous X-ray pulsars (ULXPs), searches for new ULXPs, and efforts to continue growing the broader ULX population. The overall programme will make use of X-ray data from a variety of different facilities (e.g. XMM-Newton, NuSTAR, Chandra, Swift). The post will be based in the Centre for Astrophysics Research. You will be expected to regularly lead, prepare and submit articles for publication in refereed journals, utilizing both new and archival data, as well as to regularly compete for telescope time. You will also be expected to contribute to a positive and productive working atmosphere within the Centre for Astrophysics Research, by contributing to the execution and organisation of various meetings, seminars, journals club, organised outreach activities, etc. that make CAR (and UH in general) a vibrant and dynamic place to work. The post  is available from 01 April 2024 and the successful candidate will ideally be in post as soon as possible, and no later than 01 October 2024. Skill and experience required You will have a track record of research in a relevant area of expertise, including observational astrophysics, quantitative research methods and analysis. You will also have a record of submitting/publishing scientific research in leading astronomical journals, some experience with scientific computing, and a record of presenting your work (e.g. at scientific conferences, workshops, seminars etc.). Qualifications required  A minimum of a degree (or equivalent level 6 qualification), or higher qualification in a relevant discipline. You should have (or have completed the requirements for) a PhD in Astrophysics or a closely-related discipline. Please view the job description and person specification for a full list of the duties and essential criteria. Please attach a personal statement showing clearly how your skills and experience match the Person Specification. An appointment to this role may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. The University of Hertfordshire adheres to the principles of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA).  We will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research contributions (where requested or provided as part of the recruitment and selection process), rather than where the research is published, and use any publication metrics responsibly. Contact Details/Informal Enquiries: For more information or to discuss the post, please contact Dr. Dominic Walton (d.walton4@herts.ac.uk) Closing Date: 31 January 2024 Interview Date: W/C 19 February 2024 (TBC)Reference Number: 056018 Applications should be accompanied by a CV, a list of publications, and a personal statement.