Associate Professor, Astronomical Instrumentation (PSY_04)

The Department of Physics at Durham University seeks to appoint a talented individual to the role of Associate Professor.

The successful candidate will be a member of the Centre for Advanced Instrumentation (CfAI). We welcome applications from those with research and teaching interests in the broad field of astronomical instrumentation and we are particularly eager to hear from applicants with a focus on instrumentation for ground-based or space-based telescopes as part of larger collaborative projects.

The candidate is likely to work closely with the observational astronomers in Durham in the development of new instruments and in helping to provide early access to new instrumentation when deployed in the field.

Candidates must demonstrate research excellence in the field of astronomical instrumentation and evidence potential to further drive our astronomical instrumentation programme and to fully engage in the services, citizenship and values of the University.

They will also be expected to make a significant contribution to the development and delivery of high-quality research-led teaching, which enables undergraduate and postgraduate students to achieve their potential.

The position will start around October 2024.

The Centre for Advanced Instrumentation (CfAI) at Durham University is one of the major research groups in the Department of Physics.

Currently we have 10 permanent members of staff, 35 research staff, 2 support staff and around 18 postgraduate students.

CfAI's vision is to undertake a world-leading programme of education and research with international impact, based on the development of novel instrumentation and cutting edge technologies with applications across a range of strategically important scientific areas to benefit modern society.

Further information may be found at : and

Candidates should have a PhD in physics or a related subject and an established record of research at an internationally competitive level.

They should also demonstrate potential for teaching and postgraduate student supervision and a clear commitment to developing an inclusive and welcoming working environment.

The Department of Physics is committed to building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive environment. It is pledged to the Athena SWAN charter, where we hold a silver award, and has the status of IoP Juno Champion.

We embrace equality and particularly welcome applications from women, black and minority ethnic candidates, and members of other groups that are under-represented in physics.

Durham University provides a range of benefits including pension, flexible and / or part time working hours, shared parental leave policy and childcare provision.