Research Fellow in Infrared Interferometry WF)

Research Fellow Opportunity: Unraveling Supermassive Black Holes with Infrared Interferometry

Are you passionate about extragalactic astronomy and eager to make a significant contribution to a groundbreaking international project? The University of Southampton's Astronomy Group is seeking a motivated Research Fellow to join the ambitious SMBH FACTORY team. This exciting role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of astrophysical research, focusing on accurately measuring supermassive black hole masses throughout cosmic history.

About the Project and Role:

The SMBH FACTORY is a prestigious project, funded by the UKRI Horizon Guarantee as part of an ERC Advanced Grant, running from 2025 to 2030. As a Research Fellow, you will be instrumental in utilizing GRAVITY+, the world's most sensitive infrared interferometry instrument. Your primary focus will be on leveraging GRAVITY+'s exceptional angular resolution to spatially resolve the broad-line regions of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) at significant cosmic distances, often referred to as "cosmic noon and beyond."

Key responsibilities of this role include:

• Leading the data reduction and analysis of GRAVITY+ interferometric data.
• Contributing to advanced modeling of astrophysical phenomena observed with GRAVITY+.
• Playing a vital role in the development and refinement of data reduction software.

Advantages for Your Career Path:

This position offers a wealth of advantages for aspiring and established astrophysicists:

• Cutting-Edge Research: Immerse yourself in state-of-the-art research on supermassive black holes and galaxy evolution, working with one of the most advanced instruments in observational astronomy.
• International Collaboration: Become part of a leading international project, fostering valuable collaborations with researchers worldwide.
• Intellectual Stimulation: The Southampton Astronomy Group provides a vibrant and collegial environment with strong research themes in galaxy evolution, compact objects, and time-domain astrophysics, offering ample opportunities for cross-disciplinary engagement.
• Career Development: The university is committed to supporting your professional growth. You will have the dedicated time and resources to explore and develop your independent research interests, crucial for advancing your career.
• Work-Life Balance: Benefit from family-friendly policies and a commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, ensuring sustainable productivity and personal well-being.
• Attractive Benefits: The University offers a competitive salary, an attractive benefits package, and relocation assistance to support your transition.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

To thrive in this role, candidates should possess:

• Strong Background in Extragalactic Astronomy: A solid understanding of extragalactic astrophysics is essential.
• Experience with Interferometry: Proficiency in analyzing interferometric data, particularly in the infrared, is highly desirable.
• Data Reduction and Analysis Skills: Proven experience in astronomical data reduction, analysis, and potentially modeling techniques is crucial.
• Software Development Aptitude: A willingness and capability to contribute to the development of scientific software will be a significant asset.
• Passion for Supermassive Black Holes: A genuine enthusiasm for understanding the role and properties of supermassive black holes across cosmic epochs.

This full-time, fixed-term position is initially for three years, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding. The starting date is flexible in 2026.

We encourage you to highlight your relevant experience and research interests in your application, demonstrating how they align with GRAVITY+, active galactic nuclei, and the analysis of interferometric data. This is a remarkable opportunity to shape our understanding of the universe's most massive objects and to advance your career in a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.