Hawking was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in the 1960s

Cambridge University Professor Stephen Hawking wants a graduate student to help him prepare lectures and assist with scientific papers.

Professor Hawking, 64, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease at the age of 22 and speaks with the aid of a computer and synthesiser.

The person accepted will be responsible for maintaining and improving this computer system and other equipment.

Best-selling author

The position is based in Cambridge University's Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics.

The job advertisement reads: "You would help him to prepare and deliver seminars and public lectures and assist with scientific papers.

"You would also accompany Professor Hawking on his many travels and assist other members of the group."

Professor Hawking, a best-selling author, mathematician, cosmologist and theoretical physicist, is thought to be one of its longest-surviving sufferers of motor neurone disease.

He became famous with the publication of his book A Brief History of Time in the late 1980s.