Summary
We are seeking to appoint two motivated UKRI-funded postdoctoral researchers as part of the FLF project “Finding a second Earth through stellar understanding” - PI Mortier. This research project aims to improve the precise and stable extraction of stellar radial velocity from high-resolution spectra, taking into account the effects of stellar magnetic variability; build, deploy and exploit a polarising Solar Telescope connected with a high-resolution stabilised spectrograph; study the Sun-as-a-star during Solar maximum, connecting the large-scale magnetic flux variations with the observed radial velocity variability; and put Earth in an exoplanet context focusing on the chemical diversity of planets and their hosts.
The successful applicant should have expertise in the use of astronomical data and depending on the role, have expertise in either astronomical instrumentation, stellar variability, or stellar and exoplanet characterisation.
The successful applicant will work primarily with Dr Annelies Mortier and other members in her team.
Role requirements include:
PhD in astrophysics/astronomy or equivalent expertise Expertise in the use of astronomical and/or Solar data Proven track record in at least one of: stellar characterisation, stellar variability, exoplanet characterisation, astronomical instrumentation Main Duties
The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.
Analyse and interpret data Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc. Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods Undertake management/administration arising from research Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required Contribute to writing bids for research funding Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines Promote equality, value diversity, acting as a role model, and fostering an inclusive working culture Person Specification
First degree in area of specialism and a PhD degree (or near to completion) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications High level analytical capability Ability to communicate complex information clearly Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly Application process
You should make sure to attach the following to your application as one pdf file: a cover letter (max 1 page); a CV (max 2 pages); a full publication list; a research statement (max 3 pages); an EDI statement (max 1 page).
An online form will ask for contact details for three referees who we can contact at any point in the process. In the form, you will also get a mandatory question asking to specify the reasons to apply. You should simply point to your uploaded document.
All applications received by the deadline (Sunday 19th May 2024) will receive full consideration. We anticipate interviews to take place 5th June 2024.