Postdoctoral Research Assistant WISDOM project

Postdoctoral Research Assistant with the WISDOM project

Sub‑department of Astrophysics, Denys Wilkinson Building, Oxford

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant position with the WISDOM project (mm/sub‑mm interferometric studies of molecular gas and supermassive black holes in galaxies near and far; strong gravitational lensing).

Under the supervision of Prof. Martin Bureau, the postholder will primarily work with the international WISDOM team on high spatial resolution (~10 pc) ALMA studies of the molecular ISM of galaxies, with a focus on galaxy centres. In particular, this project aims to measure the spatially resolved properties of giant molecular clouds and/or weigh the supermassive black holes lurking at galaxy centres using molecular gas dynamics, this for both nearby and distant (using strong gravitational lensing) galaxies.

Candidates working on any aspect of WISDOM will be considered, including molecular clouds (properties, formation, evolution), dynamics (supermassive black hole mass measurements, gas flows, active galactic nucleus feedback), and any other facets of the data not yet exploited. However, the selected candidate will preferentially play a leading role in i) measuring the spatially‐resolved properties of giant molecular clouds (GMCs) in nearby galaxies, both using and further developing formal isms for their interpretation (GMC structure, dynamical state, lifetime, formation, evolution), and/or ii) weighing the supermassive black holes lurking at galaxy centres using molecular gas dynamics and (at intermediate redshifts) strong gravitational lensing, thus preserving and extending the team’s lead in this field.

Candidates will have the opportunity to teach.

Applicants should have a PhD (or close to completion) in Physics, Astrophysics or a related field. They should also have a strong background in galaxy dynamics, interstellar medium, and star formation via mm/sub‑mm interferometry. Previous experience in the fields of strong gravitational lensing and/or optical/near‑infrared integral‑field spectroscopy is also desirable. Candidates are expected to have a proven record of academic research (creativity, thoroughness, and assiduity), the capacity for independent work, the ability to work and interact positively with colleagues and the team, a demonstrated ability for data analysis/scientific computing, and excellent decision‑making, problem‑solving, planning, and organisational skills.

Please direct inquiries to Prof. Prof Martin Bureau (ma).

The post is full time and fixed term until 30 June 2028.

The closing date for applications is noon GMT, Friday, 4 September 2026.