University of Cambridge
Research Assistant/Associate in Protoplanetary Discs (Fixed Term)
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Postdoctoral Researcher - Protoplanetary Discs
The Institute of Astronomy (IoA), Cambridge University (West Cambridge site) has a vacancy for a postdoctoral researcher to work on the theme "Protoplanetary Discs". This is a Science & Technology Facilities Council funded position working with Professor Cathie Clarke, the P.I. for the project. The study encompasses theoretical modelling of high spectral and spatial resolution datasets relating to winds from protoplanetary discs.
About the Role
The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to work with partner teams at the Ludwig Maximilian Universität (Munich) and Maynooth University, Republic of Ireland, benefitting respectively from expertise in these teams in thermochemical modelling and analysis of spectroscopic datasets using instrumentation on the Very Large Telescope (VLT). Substantial experience in hydrodynamical modelling and/or radiative transfer and disc photochemistry is thus highly desirable for this position.
The successful applicant will pursue independent and collaborative research, develop a high degree of interaction with the faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and research students, and actively contribute to the life of the department. They will disseminate their research findings via publications or other appropriate media, such as international workshops and conferences. They will be encouraged to participate in the teaching and learning programmes of the department as well as in the co-supervision of postgraduate research students and outreach events.
Requirements
Applicants must have a PhD in Astronomy or a related field, or have satisfied the requirements for the PhD, by the time of appointment. Essential criteria include excellent communication and computing skills and a proactive approach to publishing scientific results in peer-reviewed journals.
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Compensation
A successful candidate with a PhD will be appointed at Grade 7 (Research Associate £37,694 to £46,049 per annum). A candidate who has not been awarded their PhD will initially be appointed at Grade 5 (Research Assistant £34,610 to £35,608 per annum) and, upon award of PhD, promoted to Grade 7.
Application Process
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Additional Information
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The University of Cambridge thrives on the diversity of its staff and students. Applications from underrepresented groups are particularly welcome. We have an active Equality and Diversity Committee which continually works to further the aims of the Athena SWAN charter. The University has a number of family-friendly policies and initiatives, including a returning-career scheme, childcare costs support, university workplace nurseries, university holiday play-schemes, and a shared parental-leave policy. As part of its commitment to providing a family-friendly environment for researchers, the IoA ensures that should parental leave be needed during the course of employment, there is provision for extension to contract to compensate for the parental leave taken.
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Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.
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The post is expected to commence in October 2026; however, the start date can be discussed and agreed upon during the interview process.
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Applications must include a cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, list of publications, a statement of research experience and interests (three pages maximum), and contact information of three referees. Please advise your referees that reference requests must be completed and submitted by: Sunday, 2nd August 2026.
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The application deadline is 23:59 GMT on Sunday, 2nd August 2026.
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Applications will be reviewed after the closing date and interviews are provisionally planned for 10th August 2026.
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Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Prof Cathie Clarke (cclarke@ast.cam.ac.uk).
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For any queries regarding the application process, please contact: HR@ast.cam.ac.uk.
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Please quote reference LG50291 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
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The University of Cambridge is a signatory of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). DORA recognizes the need to improve the ways in which the outputs of scholarly research are evaluated. The University expects candidates to apply the principles of DORA when preparing their applications. We do not use journal level metrics when assessing the quality of research outputs. Applicants should not include journal level metrics, such as the Journal Impact Factor, anywhere in their application materials. More information about DORA, its principles, and aims can be found at: https://sfdora.org/ and https://www.researchstrategy.admin.cam.ac.uk/research-policy/DORA
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The University actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
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The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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