Research Associate in Extragalactic Astronomy
Cardiff School of Physics and Astronomy
The astronomy group at Cardiff University is seeking applications to fill a position of Postdoctoral Research Associate in extragalactic astrophysics, to work with Dr Matt Smith.
The research associate will work on the analysis and interpretation of multi-wavelength datasets to investigate the molecular gas and dust content of galaxies and their role in the star formation process.
This position will focus on the interstellar medium and star-formation efficiency of nearby galaxies. The project will utilise datasets from JCMT (e.g., HASHTAG/DOWSING), ALMA (e.g., KILOGAS), JWST, and other facilities, in combination with modelling tools to measure physical properties in galaxies. These measurements will be used to investigate how the interstellar medium varies (for example how the properties of cold dust change across a galaxy), and how the environment affects the star-formation process on scales from tens of parsecs to kiloparsecs.
We are seeking researchers with an established track record in extragalactic astronomy, particularly in the analysis of large datasets, multi-wavelength observations, and the use of gas and dust tracers, as well as experience in statistical modelling.
The research associate will work across the Cardiff Astronomy group and collaborate closely with researchers working on galaxy evolution, star formation, simulations and large survey science. Other members of related research groups at Cardiff play leading roles in modelling and detecting gravitational waves, supernovae, star formation and building the next generation ground and space-based telescopes.
In the application, please include a cover letter, CV, and a research statement (max. 3 pages) including information on previous and current work alongside future plans. Please ensure you have read the job specifications and that you address how you those in your application. You will also be asked to nominate two referees that would be able to provide a reference letter.
This post is full time, available from October 2026 and is fixed term for 3 years.
Salary: £41,064 - £46,049 per annum (Grade 6). It is not anticipated that an appointment be made above £41,064 per annum, point 6.32.
For informal enquiries about the post please contact Dr Matthew Smith ([email protected])
For informal enquiries about working at Cardiff School of Physics and Astronomy please contact [email protected]
IMPORTANT NOTE TO CANDIDATES: It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing and we only invite candidates to interview who clearly evidence that they meet (or partially meet) each of the essential criteria. During the application process you will be asked to attach a supporting statement. This statement must outline how you meet the criteria below and we recommended formatting this by using each criteria as a sub-heading and providing your relevant experience/evidence below each sub-heading. It is crucial that you save your supporting statement with the vacancy number) in the filename as failure to do so may result in it being omitted from your application.
When attaching the supporting statement to your application, please ensure that you name it with the vacancy reference number.
Date advert posted: Tuesday, 4 August 2026
Closing date: Monday, 7 September 2026
Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. We especially welcome and encourage applications from those from under-represented groups within the University workforce, such as those who identify as LGBT +, Ethnic Minority or those with disabilities. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.
Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English. We very much welcome applications in Welsh.
Cymdeithion Ymchwil mewn Seryddiaeth Allalaethol
Ysgol Ffiseg a Seryddiaeth Caerdydd
Mae'r grŵp seryddiaeth ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd yn chwilio am geisiadau i lenwi a swydd Cydymaith Ymchwil Ôl-ddoethurol mewn astroffiseg allalaethol, i weithio gyda'r Athro Matt Smith.
Bydd y prosiect yn defnyddio setiau data o JCMT (e.e. HASHTAG/DOWSING), ALMA (e.e. KILOGAS), JWST, a chyfleusterau eraill, ar y cyd ag offer modelu i fesur priodweddau ffisegol mewn galaethau. Bydd y mesuriadau hyn yn cael eu defnyddio i ymchwilio i sut mae'r cyfrwng rhyngserol yn amrywio (er enghraifft sut mae priodweddau llwch oer yn newid ar draws galaeth), a sut mae'r amgylchedd yn effeithio ar y broses ffurfio sêr ar raddfeydd o ddegau o barsecau i giloparsecs.
Rydym yn chwilio am ymchwilwyr sydd â hanes sefydledig mewn seryddiaeth allalaethol, yn enwedig wrth ddadansoddi setiau data mawr, arsylwadau aml-donfedd, a'r defnydd o olrhain nwy a llwch, yn ogystal â phrofiad mewn modelu ystadegol.
Bydd y cymdeithion ymchwil yn gweithio ar draws grŵp Seryddiaeth Caerdydd ac yn cydweithio'n agos ag ymchwilwyr sy'n gweithio ar esblygiad galaethau, ffurfio sêr, efelychiadau a gwyddoniaeth arolwg mawr. Mae aelodau eraill o grwpiau ymchwil cysylltiedig yng Nghaerdydd yn chwarae rolau blaenllaw wrth fodelu a chanfod tonnau disgyrchiant, uwchnofâu, ffurfio seren ac adeiladu telesgopau’r ddaear a'r gofod y genhedlaeth nesaf.
Yn y cais, dylech gynnwys llythyr eglurhaol, CV a datganiad ymchwil (3 tudalen ar y mwyaf) gan gynnwys gwybodaeth am waith blaenorol a phresennol ar y cyd â chynlluniau ar gyfer y dyfodol. Sicrhewch eich bod wedi darllen y manylebau swydd a'ch bod yn nodi sut rydych yn cyflawni’r rhain yn eich cais. Gofynnir i chi hefyd enwebu dau ganolwr a fyddai'n gallu darparu llythyr geirda.
Mae'r swyddi hon y amser llawn, ar gael o fis Hydref 2026 ac yn gyfnod penodol o 3 blynedd.
Cyflog: £41,064 – £46,049 y flwyddyn (Gradd 6). Ni ragwelir y bydd yr ymgeisydd llwyddiannus yn cael ei benodi ar fwy na £41,064 y flwyddyn, pwynt 6.32.
Am ymholiadau anffurfiol am y swydd, cysylltwch â'r Dr Matthew Smith ([email protected])
Am ymholiadau anffurfiol am weithio ym Mhrifysgolfa Ffiseg ac Astroffiseg Caerdydd, cysylltwch â [email protected]
PWYSIG: Tystiolaeth o Fodloni'r Meini Prawf
Dylai ymgeiswyr ddangos tystiolaeth o fodloni'r HOLL feini prawf hanfodol, yn ogystal â'r meini prawf dymunol lle bo'n berthnasol.
Yn rhan o’r broses ymgeisio, bydd gofyn i chi roi’r dystiolaeth hon ar ffurf datganiad ategol. Wrth gyflwyno'r ddogfen hon neu ei hatodi i broffil eich cais, dylech sicrhau mai cyfeirnod y swydd yw enw’r ddogfen.
Dyddiad hysbysebu: Dydd Mawrth, 4 Awst 2026
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