Research Associate in Extragalactic Astronomy
Cardiff School of Physics and Astronomy
The astronomy group at Cardiff University is seeking applications to the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate in extragalactic astrophysics, to work with Professor Haley Gomez.
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 investigate the link between the interstellar medium and the decline of cosmic star formation. The project will involve the calibration of key gas tracers (including dust, carbon monoxide and atomic carbon), the analysis of large survey datasets, and the development and application of statistical models to study galaxy evolution across cosmic time.
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 Prof Haley Gomez and ([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.