The Department of Physics at Durham University seeks to appoint a talented individual to the role of Assistant Professor in Observational Astronomy. The successful candidate will be a member of the Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy (CEA) and will have research experience that complements and strengthens the existing areas of research, including multi-wavelength and high-energy astrophysics, with the strong potential to exploit the next generation of astronomical observatories. The successful applicant is expected to develop an original and independent research program, to publish world-class research with a focus on quality in high impact journals, to work collaboratively with others in the Department of Physics, and to have the potential to engage with industrial partners. They will also contribute to the development and delivery of high-quality research-led teaching that produces a world-class learning environment which enables undergraduate and postgraduate students to achieve their potential. The position will start around October 2020.

Durham University hosts one of Europe's largest and most active research groups working in the fields of observational and theoretical extragalactic astronomy, cosmology and instrumentation. Currently we have 32 permanent members of staff, including 4 long-term research fellows, and around 100 postdocs, post-graduate students, and support staff. Our observational research is undertaken in the CEA, while theoretical activities are focused in the Institute for Computational Cosmology (ICC), and our instrumentation work is carried out in the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation (CfAI). Our group benefits significantly from the deep-rooted synergies between the research programmes across the CEA, ICC, and CfAI. In November 2016 the CEA moved into a new building, the Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics, along with the ICC and CfAI. Further information may be found at http://www.astro.dur.ac.uk/

The Department of Physics is committed to building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment. It is pledged to the Athena SWAN charter, where we hold a silver award, and has the status of IoP Juno Champion. We embrace equality and particularly welcome applications from women, black and minority ethnic candidates, and members of other groups that are under-represented in physics. Durham University provides a range of benefits including pension, shared parental leave policy, and childcare provision and will assist with potential schooling requirements.

Candidates should have a PhD in Physics or Astronomy and an established record of research at the highest international level. They should also demonstrate the potential for teaching and postgraduate student supervision. Applications should be made online and include a CV, a covering letter, a personal research plan (~3-5 pages), a statement on your support of equality, diversity, and inclusivity initiatives (~0.5-1 page), and two recent pieces of significant work (published or submitted). Informal enquiries can be addressed to Prof David Alexander at d.m.alexander@durham.ac.uk