The University of Leeds invites applications for a 3-year postdoctoral research position to study particle acceleration in colliding wind binaries. You will work with Prof Julian Pittard on an STFC-funded project to simulate particle acceleration in colliding wind binaries and compare against observational data of the thermal and non-thermal emission. You will join the Astrophysics Group in the School of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Leeds, an active research community covering areas from star and planet formation to exoplanet atmospheres. 

This role will be based on the University campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Prof Julian Pittard, Professor in Theoretical Astrophysics

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 3805

Email: j.m.pittard@leeds.ac.uk

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information, please visit the Government’s Skilled Worker visa page.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information, please visit the Government’s page, Apply for the Global Talent visa.

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance. 
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more! 

Closing Date: 26 Aug 2026

Section: Research

Salary: £41,064 to £48,822 p.a.
Due to funding restrictions, an appointment will not be made higher than £43,482 p.a.