Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Space Plasma

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Space Plasma group at Queen Mary University of London to work on a project exploring the controlling role that turbulence plays in the inner heliosphere using plasma simulations and data analysis. The post is funded by STFC as part of a Consolidated Grant. The project will use plasma simulations to study how turbulence can control the key plasma processes of particle energization, shock dynamics, and turbulence-driven reconnection. The simulations will be motivated and tested against results from Parker Solar Probe (PSP), Solar Orbiter and Magnetospheric Multiscale MMS. The project will build on collaborations within the Space Plasma group with Prof David Burgess, Dr Chris Chen and Dr Heli Hietala, and there will be opportunities for collaborations across the data/simulation boundary. Queen Mary offers extensive career support for all team members.

About You

The successful candidate(s) will have a PhD (or equivalent) in Space/Solar/Astrophysical Plasma Physics (or related subject). They will have the skills/abilities to conduct/disseminate internationally high-quality innovative research. They will be highly motivated, demonstrate initiative, collaborate successfully towards team goals, and show commitment to research / academic life / ethical working.

About the Astronomy Unit

The Astronomy Unit is one of the world-class research centres in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, part of the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences. The School has 53 academic staff, 45 research staff, 85 PhD students, and runs successful teaching programmes with ~400 students The Space & Astrophysical Plasmas group has a long history of high-quality research taking major roles in large international space projects, from Cluster to PSP.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities including an on-site nursery at the Mile End campus.

The post is based at the Mile End Campus in London. It is full time (35 hours per week), fixed term appointment for 3 years, with an expected start date of April 2023. The starting salary will be Grade 4, in the range of £36,348 - £42,592 per annum pro-rata, inclusive of London Allowance.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Prof David Burgess at D.Burgess@qmul.ac.uk.

To apply for the role, please click the ‘apply’ button above. In addition to the form, in which contact details for three referees should be given, a research statement detailing previous achievements and future plans (2 pages maximum), plus a separate CV, should be attached in the ‘CV Upload’ section.

The closing date for applications is 24th March 2023. Interviews are expected to be held shortly thereafter. Late enquiries may be accepted until the position is filled.

Valuing Diversity & Committed to Equality

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