Research Assistant/Associate

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Newcastle University invites applications for a fixed-term two-year Research Assistant or Research Associate in stellar astrophysics and computational MHD, based onsite in Newcastle upon Tyne. This full-time role offers generous travel and training funds, a start date around 1 August 2026 (flexible), and a clear path to independent research within a vibrant group led by Dr. Dominic Bowman and colleagues, with strong links to KU Leuven, plus opportunities for outreach. Essential requirements vary by level: for the Research Assistant role, an Honours degree in Mathematics, Astrophysics or related discipline and experience in computational fluid dynamics or stellar physics; for the Research Associate role, a PhD and advanced HPC experience with MPI and OpenMP. To apply, submit a CV and a covering letter combined with a 3-page research statement, tailor your letter to demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria and how your work aligns with the group's agenda, and highlight relevant software such as Fortran, Python, MPI and OpenMP. Inquiries to Prof Tamara Rogers; closing date 1 July 2026; interviews expected end of June. Newcastle is committed to inclusion and development under the Researcher Development Concordat.

Salary: 

Research Associate £36,636 to £46,049 per annum
Research Assistant £33,951 to £46,049 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 01 July 2026

The Role

We invite applications for a 2-year Research Assistant/Associate in stellar astrophysics and computational magnetohydrodynamics (MHD).

Newcastle University is home to an exciting and lively stellar astrophysics and fluid dynamics research groups. This includes the observational group led by Dr. Dominic Bowman and multiple fluid dynamicists as part of the Geophysical and Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics Group. More broadly, the Newcastle astrophysics group works closely with the observational group led by Prof. Conny Aerts at KU Leuven.

The position is fixed-term, with full time hours (37 per week) and an estimated start date of 1 August 2026 (candidates seeking a different start date are encouraged to apply as this is flexible). Generous funds for travel and training are available. Start dates and flexible working are negotiable. We are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment.

Applications are encouraged particularly from those with experience in numerical simulations, fluid dynamics and/or stellar astrophysics.  In addition to project-specific activities, the Research Assistant / Associate will be encouraged to pursue their own independent research and training. In addition, they may undertake outreach/engagement activities, particularly those designed to increase accessibility and inclusion to science.

For informal inquiries, please contact Professor Tamara Rogers ([email protected]).

To apply, please complete the online application and attach a: (1) CV (no page limit), and (2) a covering letter combined with a research statement (max 3 pages). In your covering letter, please outline how you are either working towards, meet or exceed all of the essential requirements for the role holder as outlined below. The research statement should explain how your research experience is suitable for the post and how your research interests will align with those performed in the group.

Interviews will be expected to occur end of June.

We follow the Researcher Development Concordat: Researcher Development | Our Research | Newcastle University. We enable all colleagues to fulfil their research potential regardless of career stage. This commitment secures our thriving research culture and vibrant research environment. Our offer to each individual and their researcher development includes mentoring, annual research planning discussions, pooled research funding to support career development and research activities, peer review support for the development of research and innovation funding applications.

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of Research Innovation Role Profiles.pdf.  These profiles set out firstly the generic competencies and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and, secondly, the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Key Accountabilities

Research Assistant

• Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes
• Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s)
• Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project
• Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books)
• Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate

Research Associate

• Excellent technical skills in computational fluid dynamics and/or stellar astrophysics applied to the aims of this project
• Understanding of convection, waves and magnetism in stars
• Extensive experience using Fotran, Python and Vapor
• Experience with MPI, OpenMP and HPC facilities
• Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of the project
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
• Contribute to the writing up of the research and its dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
• Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Research Assistant

• Experience in computational fluid dynamics and/or stellar astrophysics applied ot the aims of this project
• Understanding of convection, waves and magnetism in stars
• Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy
• Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
• Proven ability to analyse data and write-up results
• Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues
• Excellent IT skills in all major office applications
• The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems

In addition for Research Associate

• Awareness of the research environment
• High level of analytical and problem solving capacity
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity
• Experience of presentations at conferences and/or in high quality publications

Attributes and Behaviour

• Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team
• Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines
• Commitment to continued professional development
• Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity

Qualifications

Research Assistant

• Honours degree in Mathematics, Astrophysics or related discipline

In addition for Research Associate

• PhD in Related discipline

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 29485