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JOB
United Kingdom
Times Higher Education
Posted on: 4 August 2026

Assistant or Associate Professor in Observational Astronomy

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4 Aug 2026

Job Information

Organisation/Company: DURHAM UNIVERSITY

Research Field: Physics

Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2); Leading Researcher (R4); Established Researcher (R3)

Application Deadline: 29 Sep 2026 - 00:00 (UTC)

Country: United Kingdom

Type of Contract: Permanent

Job Status: Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Department of Physics at Durham University seeks to appoint a talented individual to the position of Assistant or Associate Professor, in the Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy (CEA). We welcome applications from those with research interests in the field of observational astronomy and the exploitation of large survey datasets. Applications are particularly encouraged from candidates with a background in radio or sub-mm interferometry to expand Durham's involvement in the SKAO. However, applications will be considered in any area that complements the CEA's current research interests. Applicants must demonstrate research excellence in the field of observational astronomy with the ability to teach our students to an exceptional standard and to fully engage in the services, citizenship and values of the University.

The post offers an exciting opportunity to make a major contribution to the development of internationally excellent research and teaching while allowing you unrivalled opportunities to progress and embed your career in an exciting and progressive institution.

The CEA is one of the largest groups of observational astronomers in Europe. We deliver world-leading research across the full electromagnetic spectrum from radio to gamma-rays as well as multimessenger astronomy with gravitational wave and neutrino detection. Durham University is involved in the BlackGEM, LSST, Euclid, DESI, 4MOST, SKAO and CTAO projects with leadership in the construction, survey definition, execution and exploitation in these projects. We are also partners in the BlueMUSE project on the VLT and the MOSAIC and HARMONI instrument projects for the ELT.

The CEA benefits from our deep, intertwined links to the Institute for Computational Cosmology (ICC), drawing on their world-leading expertise in simulations and high performance computing, the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation (CfAI), with their international leadership in instrument development and new techniques, and the Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology (IPPP), bringing their expertise in potential Dark Matter particle properties, neutrino experiments and gravitational wave progenitors. Together, these groups are housed in the purpose-built Ogden Centre East and the architecturally award-winning Ogden Centre West.

The Physics Department at Durham is one of the largest in the UK and a vibrant centre for world leading research and education. A World Top 100 department in the 2025 QS subject rankings, our research spans advanced instrumentation, astronomy and astrophysics, condensed matter physics, cosmology, particle physics and quantum physics. It has real world impact, informing developments in energy storage, improved cancer imaging, quantum computing, nuclear fusion, pandemic modelling and faster digital technologies. We pride ourselves on closely aligning our teaching with the University's research-intensive ethos. Research led learning is embedded at every stage of our undergraduate programmes (from first year laboratory reports to our flagship final year MPhys individual research projects) ensuring our students develop the skills and insight needed for future roles in STEM.

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Number of offers available: 1

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The Department of Physics at Durham University seeks to appoint a talented individual to the position of Assistant or Associate Professor, in the Centre for Extragalactic Astronomy (CEA). We welcome applications from those with research interests in the field of observational astronomy and the exploitation of large survey datasets. Applications are particularly encouraged from candidates with a background in radio or sub-mm interferometry to expand Durham's involvement in the SKAO. However, applications will be considered in any area that complements the CEA's current research interests. Applicants must demonstrate research excellence in the field of observational astronomy with the ability to teach our students to an exceptional standard and to fully engage in the services, citizenship and values of the University.

The CEA is one of the largest groups of observational astronomers in Europe. We deliver world-leading research across the full electromagnetic spectrum from radio to gamma-rays as well as multimessenger astronomy with gravitational wave and neutrino detection. Durham University is involved in the BlackGEM, LSST, Euclid, DESI, 4MOST, SKAO and CTAO projects with leadership in the construction, survey definition, execution and exploitation in these projects. We are also partners in the BlueMUSE project on the VLT and the MOSAIC and HARMONI instrument projects for the ELT.

The CEA benefits from our deep, intertwined links to the Institute for Computational Cosmology (ICC), drawing on their world-leading expertise in simulations and high performance computing, the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation (CfAI), with their international leadership in instrument development and new techniques, and the Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology (IPPP), bringing their expertise in potential Dark Matter particle properties, neutrino experiments and gravitational wave progenitors. Together, these groups are housed in the purpose-built Ogden Centre East and the architecturally award-winning Ogden Centre West.

The Physics Department at Durham is one of the largest in the UK and a vibrant centre for world leading research and education. A World Top 100 department in the 2025 QS subject rankings, our research spans advanced instrumentation, astronomy and astrophysics, condensed matter physics, cosmology, particle physics and quantum physics. It has real world impact, informing developments in energy storage, improved cancer imaging, quantum computing, nuclear fusion, pandemic modelling and faster digital technologies. We pride ourselves on closely aligning our teaching with the University's research-intensive ethos. Research led learning is embedded at every stage of our undergraduate programmes (from first year laboratory reports to our flagship final year MPhys individual research projects) ensuring our students develop the skills and insight needed for future roles in STEM.

3 Durham University jobs in England & Wales