Research Assistant/PDRA.

Research Assistant / Postdoctoral Research Associate (Grades 6/7, fixed‑term 2years, full time, 35hours per week, salary £31,236–£46,049). Key Responsibilities – Grade6 Communicate research findings to the team and external audiences through presentations, discussions and meetings, contributing to reports and publications. Write up research results and present progress to supervising bodies, ensuring clarity and accuracy. Conduct basic research, applying existing methodology to achieve project objectives. Identify and discuss potential problems with the Principal Investigator, offering creative solutions. Build relationships with research colleagues and external contacts to support future collaborations. Assist in planning research projects and supporting student projects on research methods. Promote a collegial, respectful, inclusive workplace that treats everyone fairly. Engage in wider citizenship and support the department and wider discipline. Attend relevant training and professional development courses. Key Responsibilities – Grade7 Present specialist research to team and external audiences, leading to conferences and publications. Deliver presentations to sponsors and other stakeholders. Publish high‑quality outputs in peer‑reviewed journals and conferences. Assist in developing research objectives and proposals. Conduct independent and collaborative research under PI direction. Identify research areas, develop new methods, and broaden the research portfolio. Resolve challenges by consulting with PI and offering innovative solutions. Maintain external contacts, fostering research collaborations. Plan and manage own research activity and resources in collaboration with others. Provide research technique training to peers, visitors and students. Participate in student supervision and assessment where appropriate. Promote an inclusive, respectful, collegial working environment. Engage in departmental citizenship and professional development activities. Participate in teaching programmes and departmental committees. Person Specification – Essential Criteria Grade6: Good first degree in Physics or related subject and a Master’s in Physics or related subject. Experience modelling spectral, timing or polarimetric properties of accreting black holes. Knowledge of black hole astrophysics, advanced programming, statistical methods, problem‑solving, communication skills and ability to liaise with stakeholders. Grade7: PhD in Astrophysics or related subject; experience modelling spectro‑timing/polarisation; publications; advanced programming; statistical methods; problem‑solving; communication skills; documentation skills; independent research planning. Person Specification – Desirable Criteria Grade6: PhD or near submission; experience with NICER, NuSTAR, IXPE data; machine learning application to accreting black hole models; publication track; student support. Grade7: Experience with NICER, NuSTAR, IXPE; machine learning; publication track; conference presentations; research proposal development; supervision experience. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from under‑represented groups, including people with disabilities, racially minoritised ethnic groups and those who have taken career breaks. We will make reasonable adjustments to support the interview process and the role for employees with disabilities. Benefits The role offers a competitive salary, pension scheme, 30 days of annual leave plus public holidays, health and wellbeing support, flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development. #J-18808-Ljbffr Durham University