University of Cambridge
Research Assistant/Associate in the Physics of Radio Pulsars (Fixed Term)
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Research Assistant/Associate in PulsarMAP
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Research Assistant/Associate to work on the ERC funded project PulsarMAP: "Pulsar Mode-changing And Polarization: mapping out a connected picture of neutron star evolution". This project will advance our fundamental understanding of the physics of radio pulsars and the interstellar medium by bringing together studies of the time-variability and polarization properties of large-scale radio pulsar data sets.
The successful candidate will join a group dedicated to PulsarMAP, working with Dr Lucy Oswald, and collaborating with an international team on the Thousand-Pulsar-Array project, which studies the pulsar population using the exquisite sensitivity of the MeerKAT radio telescope.
You will contribute to project goals in one or more of the following areas:
- Studying how polarized pulsar radio emission is scattered by structures in the interstellar medium
- Mapping the impact of mode-changing and other short-term time-variability on the pulsar population
- Linking polarization and time-variability physics to understand pulsar magnetospheres
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Essential Skills
- Strong experience of programming in Python
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to handle large data sets with ease
- Aptitude for relating theoretical models to observational features
The role holder must have experience working with radio pulsar data, ideally including experience with one or more of the following:
- Single-pulse studies (such as subpulse drifting, nulling, or mode-changing)
- Interstellar medium studies with pulsars
- Studies of radio pulsar polarization
Appointment Levels
- Research Associate level is dependent upon having a PhD.
- Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be uplifted to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.
Duration
The role is available for two years in the first instance, with the possibility of extension.
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We encourage early applications as they will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The vacancy may close before the advertised deadline if a sufficient number of suitable applications are received.
Fixed-term
The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
Application Process
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal Enquiries
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Lucy Oswald at lo280@cam.ac.uk
Application Reference
Please quote reference KA50760 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The University actively supports equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
Eligibility to Work in the UK
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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