Current vacancies

Current vacancies available

Application Deadline Order: Ascending   -   Descending

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Particle Acceleration & Synchrotron Spectra   (Astrophysics)

Grade 7: 29,541 - 36,298 p.a.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to investigate particle acceleration and resulting synchrotron spectra in extragalactic jets by developing a theoretical and computational model of the acceleration and transport of energetic electrons and ions at jet termination shocks and in the heads and lobes of radio jets. The model will combine the microphysics of shock acceleration, and possibly second-order Fermi acceleration, with the macrophysical effects of hydrodynamic flow and particle diffusion in radio jets.

The project will build upon the PIs' on-going research into particle acceleration processes (Tony Bell) and the theory and interpretation of astrophysical jets (Katherine Blundell). By bringing these complementary aspects of the problem into one model and confronting the model with observation we will investigate a variety of issues including (i) the effectiveness of relativistic shocks as particle accelerators, (ii) the shape and cut-off of extragalactic radio spectra, (iii) apparent contradictions between the dynamical and radiative ages of energetic electrons and (iv) the possibility that jets are responsible for cosmic ray acceleration to EeV energies. An important part of the project will be the construction of a new simulation code for diffusive energetic particle transport in hydrodynamic flows.

The PDRA will need to be adept at computational modelling and able to write efficient programs, will have or be about to receive a PhD in a relevant area of astrophysics or plasma physics.

The post is for 30 months commencing 1 October 2013 and is based in Oxford Astrophysics. A benefits package and a research budget for travel and other expenses will be provided.

Only applications received by 12.00 midday on Wednesday 3 July 2013 can be considered. Further information on how to apply can be found in the job description.
Please also look at the Further Particulars.

Application Deadline: 03 July 2013

Early Stage Researcher   (Astrophysics)

MC ESR: from 36,000 p.a.

An Early Stage Researcher (ESR) position in high-energy astrophysics is available for 3 years from October 2013 as part of the Marie Curie Initial Training Network INFIERI. It is suitable either as a first salaried position for researchers near to completing their PhD, or for students who wish to undertake a first doctoral degree. The ESR will be based in Oxford Astrophysics and registered for an Oxford DPhil in astrophysics.

The ESR will work on the design, construction and commissioning of the Compact High-Energy Camera (CHEC) for the Cherenkov Telescope Array gamma-ray observatory CTA as a member of the CTA-UK team and the INFIERI network. This will include simulation of the camera response to astrophysical and background signals; development of triggering and image analysis algorithms, implementation of these algorithms in FPGAs in the prototype cameras; integration of the camera onto the telescope, and finally commissioning and early science at the Catania observatory in Sicily. The ESR will undertake appropriate secondments with other members of the INFIERI network during the course of the project.

The ESR will be supervised by Dr Garret Cotter (g.cotter1@physics.ox.ac.uk), to whom informal enquiries may be addressed.

Benefits associated with the position include a full contract of employment with social security, annual living and mobility allowances from 36,000 p.a. (depending on employer deductions, personal circumstances and exchange rate to be notified by the EC). The ESR must not have been resident in the UK for more than 12 of the 36 months prior to appointment and must be within the first 4 years (FTE) of their research career.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 midday on 31 July 2013.
Please also look at the Further Particulars.

Application Deadline: 31 July 2013

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