Post Doctoral Research Associate in Extragalactic Astronomy

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Post Doctoral Research Associate in Extragalactic Astronomy

The Open University – School of Physical Sciences

Fixed Term Contract: End Date: 3 years from start date

Change your career, change lives

The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education. Find out more about us and our mission by watching this short video (you will be taken to YouTube by clicking this link).

About The Role

The School of Physical Sciences at the Open University, UK, invites applications for a 3-year fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Associate investigating clumpy galaxies using simulations and deep learning. The postdoctoral researcher will work with Dr Hugh Dickinson as part of the STFC-funded research project “Probing Clumpy Star Formation Using Euclid Observations And Cosmic Simulations”. The role will involve using deep learning models and data from cutting-edge cosmological simulations to study giant star-forming clumps in real and simulated star-forming galaxies. This project will improve our understanding of clumps’ role in the formation and evolution of galaxies throughout the Universe.

Key Responsibilities

The person appointed to this post will undertake duties including:

• Developing and fine-tuning deep learning models to process images of star-forming galaxies to detect and classify any giant star-forming clumps they host.
• Applying these models to images from the Euclid Space Telescope and mock images generated using data from the COLIBRE suite of cosmological hydrodynamical simulations.
• Identifying morphologically similar populations of real and simulated clumps and inferring the physical properties of the real clumps based on those of their simulated counterparts.
• Leading scientific publications related to the research outcomes.
• Working with, and providing day-to-day support to, PhD students in extragalactic astronomy and machine learning.
• Disseminating the research at major national and international conferences.
• Developing their own independence by leading observing proposals, and leading and/or co-ordinating work within international teams.

All Staff Are Expected To

• Co-operate with the Open University in ensuring as far as is necessary, that Statutory Requirements, Codes of Practice, University Policies and Departmental Health and Safety arrangements are complied with.
• Ability to carry out the role in a way that is consistent with equality legislation and University policies.
• Attend /complete appropriate staff development events / courses.

Essential

About You

• PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics or a related field.
• Experience of extragalactic astronomy research.
• Experience in developing deep learning models and applying them to astrophysical imaging data.
• Strong Python programming skills applied to scientific data processing and analysis.
• A developing track record of peer-reviewed publications in international astrophysics journals.
• Time management and project planning skills.
• The ability to present your research effectively both orally and in scientific writing.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse team.

Desirable

• Experience studying and analysing the properties of clumpy star-forming galaxies and the clumps they contain.
• Experience of working with astrophysical imaging data from ground and space-based telescopes.
• Experience developing and adapting deep-learning based object detection models.
• Experience processing and analysing data from cosmological hydrodynamical simulations.

Support with your application

If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email Sign in to view email quoting the advert reference number.

What's in it for you?

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).

Flexible working

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

Work location

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes Office, it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. We’d expect this to be 2 days per week, but this could be more often if business needs dictate.

Next steps in the Recruitment process

How To Apply

To apply for this role please submit the following document(s):

• CV
• Supporting Statement (Your Supporting Statement should be no more than 1000 words and should outline how your current skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria listed above)

You can view your progress and application communications when you are logged into our recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive associated email updates.

If you have any queries or questions about the recruitment process, or regarding your application, please contact: [email protected].

Looking for Associate Lecturer (AL) roles?

Please use our AL home page to find AL vacancies.

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.

Location: Milton Keynes, Hybrid/On-site Salary: £38,784 to £46,049 per annum Hours: Full Time Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract Placed On: 30th June 2026 Closes: 28th July 2026 Job Ref: 1749

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