Postdoctoral Research Associate in Gravitational Wave Astronomy

Right to work: Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. 

Full-Time, Fixed-Term

Post Overview:

Applications are invited for the post of a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Astronomy Group as part of the STFC Gravitational Wave Consolidator Grant “Advancing Gravitational-Wave Astronomy Using Artificial Intelligence” led by Dr Greg Ashton.

The successful candidate will join Royal Holloway’s Astronomy Group and conduct research activities related to gravitational wave astronomy. The primary aim will be the development of advanced approaches for computational Bayesian Inference to measure the properties of Compact Binary Coalescence signals. The successful applicant is expected to help produce independent and original research within Royal Holloway’s Centre for Particle Physics and Astronomy, submit publications to refereed journals, and work with and help supervise BSc, MSci, and PhD students.

The successful applicant will have a PhD in Astrophysics, Theoretical Physics, or a related discipline and prior experience relevant to the post. It is also desirable if the post holder has experience in the development of production-quality software, computational Bayesian inference, and strong communication skills.

For more information see the detailed job description and person specification. 

Research Environment:

Royal Holloway’s Astronomy Group covers a wide range of topics in astrophysics and astronomy, including stellar astrophysics, supernovae, radio pulsars, gravitational-wave astronomy, and cosmology. Leveraging state-of-the-art observational facilities such as JWST, the Hubble Space Telescope, the LIGO/VIRGO/KAGRA gravitational-wave detectors, and the Euclid satellite, we investigate fundamental questions about the nature of celestial objects, the evolution of galaxies, and the structure of the Universe itself. We are also actively involved in the utilisation of upcoming facilities such as the Square Kilometre Array Observatory. The Astronomy Group specifically focuses on applying advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods to astrophysical research. As a result, we actively collaborate with experts in Computer Science as part of Royal Holloway’s Centre for AI.

In return we offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement 
• Training and Development opportunities
• Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution 
• Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing. 
• Free parking 

The post is based in Egham, where the University is situated in a beautiful, leafy campus near to Windsor Great Park and within commuting distance from London.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time post, available from 1^st October 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter for a fixed-term period of 3 years at Royal Holloway, University of London.

This role is eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker visa route, subject to individual circumstances and compliance with visa requirements.

Interested applicants must complete an online application form to apply. The applicant must complete a set of supporting statements in reference to the selection criteria, upload a CV, a list of publications (these may be attached to the CV), and provide names of two references. Reference letters will only be requested for shortlisted candidates.

For an informal discussion about the post, please feel free to contact Dr Greg Ashton by emailing gregory.ashton@rhul.ac.uk.

For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at recruitment@rhul.ac.uk

Please quote the reference: 0525-107

Closing Date: 23:59 22 Jun 2025

Interview Date: 2-3 weeks after closing date

The university has adopted hybrid working for some roles therefore some remote working may be possible for this role.

Royal Holloway is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and encourages applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, parental status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or trans status or history. More information on our structures and initiatives around EDI, including information on staff diversity networks, can be found on our Equality and Diversity Intranet page.