Postdoctoral Research Associate

Grade UE07: £41,064 to £48,822 per annum, pro rata if part time

School of Physics and Astronomy / Institute for Particle and Nuclear Physics /College of Science & Engineering

Full-time: 35 hours per week

Fixed Term: initially for 12 months, with possibility for extension

The Opportunity

The appointed PDRA will work in the group of Prof. Marialuisa Aliotta (PI) to conduct research in nuclear astrophysics for the UKRI-funded ERC Advanced Grant “NUCLEAR: NUclear Clustering Effects in Astrophysical Reactions” The appointed PDRA will develop and apply R-matrix evaluations of experimental data on nuclear reactions cross sections of astrophysical interest, to support the research within the group and contirbute to a vibrant and exciting research area. Working closely with the PI and collaborator DR James deBoer (Notre Dame University, US), the PDRA will contribute to, and utilize, a set of tools designed for these purposes. The PDRA will maintain close ties with the PI's research team, providing R-matrix global fits of experimental data and contributing to the evaluation of astrophysical reason rates.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in experimental nuclear astrophysics, especially in underground laboratories, as well as an excellent academic track record of strong publications and leadership in the field. In addition, s/he will be expected to co-supervise research students and to contribute to project provision and supervision of graduate and undergraduate students. The successful candidate is expected to engage in frequent field trips to overseas laboratories, present their work at collaboration meetings as required, and maintain a good collaborative attitude.

The Edinburgh Nuclear Physics Group has an outstanding reputation for scientific leadership and innovative instrumentation in diverse areas of nuclear physics including nuclear astrophysics and properties of exotic nuclei. The Group’s research is performed at world-leading laboratories, using a variety of experimental techniques and state-of-the-art instrumentation developed by the Group.

The School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among its workforce and eliminating discrimination. The School strives to create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace for all, and we are looking to actively diversify our staff. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and encourage applications from people of colour, women, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people and other minority and under-represented groups. We aim to ensure that our culture and systems support flexible and family-friendly working, as evidenced by our Juno Champion and Athena SWAN Silver awards.

The level of appointment for the PDRA post will be determined by the selection panel depending on the experience of the successful candidate.

A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle:

Responsibility and autonomy.

Excellent benefits and support.

Contributing to the work and purpose of the University.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week); however, we are open to considering part-time or flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

View the full job description (opens in a new browser tab)

How to apply

Your application should include a motivation letter detailing skills and experience relevant for the post, together with a full CV and an up-to-date list of peer-reviewed publications. The names of two referees should also be provided.

For informal enquiries contact Prof. Marialuisa Aliotta ( m.aliotta@ed.ac.uk ) or Dr James deBoer ( Richard.J.deBoer.12@nd.edu )

As a valued member of our team, you can expect

• A competitive salary.
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits.

Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also a Stonewall Proud Employer, actively promoting LGBTQ+ equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab)

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant. Please note if the role is offered on a part-time basis, it may result in sponsorship being dependent on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant or the role no longer meeting the Home Office’s criteria for sponsorship.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 30 October 2026.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.

We anticipate that interviews will be held on Zoom in late November. Further details will be communicated in good time to shortlisted candidates.