Research Fellow in Transient Astrophysics

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Basis Full-Time

Job profile for Research Fellow in Transient Astrophysics

Research Fellow in Transient Astrophysics

Portsmouth 13/09/2026

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Job details

Salary £41,064 - £44,746 per annum

Contractual hours 37

Basis Full-Time

Job category/type Fixed Term - Full-Time

Job reference REC

REC - Research Fellow in Transient Astrophysics - Job Description.pdf

Recruitment Process Timeline.pdf

Job description

The University of Portsmouth is a global employer of choice where exceptional people create, share and apply knowledge that makes a difference. Experience the pride of being part of a select group - one of only four universities in the south-east of England to achieve a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. Additionally, we proudly rank among the top 140 universities globally in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings. Ambition, Responsibility and Openness drive our every endeavór. Join our esteemed institution with a proven track record of success, and where dedication to excellence is key. We want people to make their mark in a professional community that truly values people, innovation, and achievement.

The Role:

We announce a postdoctoral position in Transient Astronomy at the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation to study the properties of faint-and-fast thermonuclear transients. The successful candidate will work with Dr Chris Frohmaier on a three-year STFC funded project to analyse data from the 4MOST Time-Domain Extragalactic Survey (TiDES), LSST, and LS4. The position will focus on developing techniques to discover Calcium-rich faint-and-fast transients in next-generation surveys and model their physical behaviour in collaboration with project partner Dr Abi Polin. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to engage in teaching, scholarship, research, innovation, outreach, and public engagement as needed in line with the Department, Faculty and University objectives. Whilst there is a need to be in Portsmouth a few days each week, hybrid working is available for this role. The successful candidate will be expected to attend campus a couple of days per week. We can consider reduced hours, but we are unable to extend the contract duration to compensate. This appointment is a fixed-term contract until September 2029. If you have any queries regarding this position, please contact Chris Frohmaier at .

Discover the advantages of joining our university. We offer a range of attractive benefits and opportunities to enhance your work experience:

• Competitive salary, including incremental progression within your scale.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Generous leave entitlement of 32-35 days a year, plus bank holidays, and an additional Christmas closure.
• Family-friendly policies supporting flexible working.
• Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.
• Staff car parking and discounted public travel.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Staff wellbeing programmes.
• Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.
• Discounted learning.
• Start-up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via ourEntrepreneurs in Residence programme.

Salary Information:

New appointments will routinely be made to the entry spine point (minimum) for the advertised grade, from where the individual will (in addition to receiving annual cost-of-living-related increases) progress through the pay range to the maximum for the grade, within a reasonable timeframe. This ensures fairness, consistency and transparency in our pay structures. A higher starting salary or market supplement may be available for a truly exceptional candidate when circumstances fully justify a departure from our normal policy.

UKVI Statement

Prior to submitting your application, kindly ensure that you can either demonstrate or acquire the necessary right to work in the UK. If you currently do not possess the right to work in the UK, please be aware that our offer of employment is conditional upon you obtaining it.

ED&I Statement:

We are committed to upholding the University's values of being ambitious, open and responsible, in an inclusive working environment that promotes dignity and respect. Please note that this vacancy may be closed earlier than advertised, so early applications are advised.

Research Fellow in Transient Astrophysics

University House, Winston Churchill Ave, Portsmouth PO1 2UP