The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics (MSP) at Newcastle University are seeking to recruit three Research Associates in Extragalactic Astrophysics, joining an exciting UKRI-funded research program managed by Dr. Christopher Harrison. Information and application instructions are available here: https://jobs.ncl.ac.uk/job/Newcastle-Research-Associate-in-Extragalactic-Astrophysics/732863401/

The project will combine multi-wavelength astronomical observations with hydrodynamic simulations in order to make significant scientific progress in understanding how Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) influence the formation and evolution of galaxies. Three Research Associate positions are available covering the following specific areas:

• 1) MOONS support and related science:

You will become a member of the MOONS extragalactic consortium. You will have experience in optical/near-infrared spectroscopy and/or processing large datasets. The holder of this 3+1 year position will split their work effort halfway between supporting data reduction/software/archiving for the the forthcoming MOONS multi-object spectrograph and on related science projects

• 2) Multi-wavelength observations of AGN feedback:

You will have relevant skills in observational astronomy. Applicants with expertise in reducing/analysing interferometric radio data are particularly encouraged. The holder of this 3 year position will work on a variety of observational datasets to study how AGN are influencing the properties of their host galaxies

• 3) Hydrodynamic simulations of AGN feedback:

You will have experience in hydrodynamic galaxy simulations. The holder of this 3 year position will develop hydrodynamic simulations to produce observationally testable predictions of the influence of AGN on their host galaxy’s interstellar medium.

Chris Harrison is among the nearly 100 of the UK’s future science leaders set to benefit from a £113m cash boost to help commercialise their innovations during the Round 5 of the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship. Delivered through UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) flagship Future Leaders Fellowships scheme – which aims to establish the careers of the next generation of world class British scientists – the investment will enable researchers at universities and businesses to progress their studies quickly by funding essential equipment and paying for researcher wages.

Chris will explore using data from the best telescopes in the world, as well as computer simulations, to understand the relationship between supermassive black holes and galaxies. Alongside this, he will be developing new techniques to make the data more accessible to people who are blind and vision impaired. As part of this he will be looking for 3 PDRAs to join the AstroObs group to work on observations and simulations!

As part of our ongoing strategy to grow astronomy/astrophysics at Newcastle University we are delighted to announce that we are advertising for applicants for an observational/theoretical astrophysics lectureship to commence by September 2021. The application deadline is May 19th.
For details visit: https://jobs.ncl.ac.uk/job/Newcastle-LecturerSenior-Lecturer-in-Astrophysics/652248901/

The position is for observational or theoretical astrophysicists. Beyond this, there are no specified areas of research expertise. However, the applicants should consider how they compliment current areas of expertise at Newcastle which includes: compact objects; galaxies/AGN; cosmology; and MHD simulations of the ISM/stellar interiors. In addition to a strong research track record, applicants should have a genuine interest and commitment to developing the role of under-represented groups in Physics, and an interest in establishing innovative, evidence-based programmes that will target these groups at all levels.

Find out more about our Astro-Obs group: https://blogs.ncl.ac.uk/astro-obs ; our Cosmology group: https://blogs.ncl.ac.uk/cosmology/; our MHD group: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/maths-physics/research/physics/astro-fluid/; as well as the School as a whole: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/maths-physics/

This is an announcement about the Lady Bertha Jeffreys PhD studentship currently being advertised to attract the best students to our School. We are inviting students to apply for the Lady Bertha Jeffreys PhD studentship. This is a prestigious studentship from the estate of Lady Bertha Jeffreys Bequest and funds from the estate of her husband Sir Harold Jeffreys. Both Anne and Chris are offering projects for this studentship. More details available here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding/sources/ukeustudents/msp029.html

Chris Harrison will be taking on a new PhD student in October 2021.

This PhD project is about using cutting-edge astronomical observations to understand the underlying physics of how supermassive black holes impact on the evolution of galaxies.  When supermassive black holes grow to become known as “active galactic nuclei” (AGN), it is believed that they drive outflows of gas and consequently regulate the level of star formation inside their host galaxies. However, key questions remain that will be addressed in this studentship: “Through which physical processes do AGN inject energy over galaxy-wide scales?” and “Is there any observational evidence for impact upon star formation by AGN?”. 

The student will join the international team of the “Quasar Feedback Survey”, which includes observers and theorists tackling these questions. The student will perform analyses on our multi-wavelength observations of galaxies that host the most powerful AGN (called quasars), including radio observations and integral field spectroscopy. They will extract key physical quantities from the data that will then be compared to theoretical predictions. Due to the extensive data available there is plenty of flexibility in the project depending on which aspects are most appealing to the student. Some programming experience will be required for the project and previous astrophysics education would be desirable.

For more information and to find out how to apply visit findaphd.com