Durham University
Assistant or Associate Professor in Observational Astronomy
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Assistant or Associate Professor, Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy (CEA)
The Department of Physics at Durham University seeks to appoint a talented individual to the position of Assistant or Associate Professor, in the Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy (CEA). We welcome applications from those with research interests in the field of observational astronomy and the exploitation of large survey datasets. Applications are particularly encouraged from candidates with a background in radio or sub-mm interferometry to expand Durham's involvement in the SKAO. However, applications will be considered in any area that complements the CEA's current research interests.
Applicants must demonstrate research excellence in the field of observational astronomy with the ability to teach our students to an exceptional standard and to fully engage in the services, citizenship and values of the University.
Key Opportunities
The post offers an exciting opportunity to make a major contribution to the development of internationally excellent research and teaching while allowing you unrivalled opportunities to progress and embed your career in an exciting and progressive institution.
For more information, please visit our Department pages at www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/physics/ and the webpage of the CEA at https://www.cea.dur.ac.uk/.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
About the Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy (CEA)
The CEA is one of the largest groups of observational astronomers in Europe. We deliver world-leading research across the full electromagnetic spectrum from radio to gamma-rays as well as multimessenger astronomy with gravitational wave and neutrino detection. Durham University is involved in the BlackGEM, LSST, Euclid, DESI, 4MOST, SKAO and CTAO projects with leadership in the construction, survey definition, execution and exploitation in these projects. We are also partners in the BlueMUSE project on the VLT and the MOSAIC and HARMONI instrument projects for the ELT.
The CEA benefits from our deep, intertwined links to the Institute for Computational Cosmology (ICC), drawing on their world-leading expertise in simulations and high performance computing, the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation (CfAI), with their international leadership in instrument development and new techniques, and the Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology (IPPP), bringing their expertise in potential Dark Matter particle properties, neutrino experiments and gravitational wave progenitors. Together, these groups are housed in the purpose-built Ogden Centre East and the architecturally award-winning Ogden Centre West.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
About the Department of Physics
The Physics Department at Durham is one of the largest in the UK and a vibrant centre for world leading research and education. A World Top 100 department in the 2025 QS subject rankings, our research spans advanced instrumentation, astronomy and astrophysics, condensed matter physics, cosmology, particle physics and quantum physics. It has real world impact, informing developments in energy storage, improved cancer imaging, quantum computing, nuclear fusion, pandemic modelling and faster digital technologies. We pride ourselves on closely aligning our teaching with the University's research-intensive ethos. Research led learning is embedded at every stage of our undergraduate programmes (from first year laboratory reports to our flagship final year MPhys individual research projects) ensuring our students develop the skills and insight needed for future roles in STEM.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location