Research Fellow

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to May 2028

Background

Applications are invited to join the Sun, Stars and Exoplanets Research Group in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham, as part of the growing and dynamic team of Dr Annelies Mortier working in exoplanets and stellar astrophysics.

Role 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 will work primarily with Dr Annelies Mortier and other members in her team.

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 

All applications received by the deadline (Sunday 19th May 2024) will receive full consideration. We anticipate interviews to take place 5th June 2024. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, but applications from traditionally under-represented groups in physics and astronomy are particularly encouraged. We are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

For further information about this post, please contact: Dr Annelies Mortier (A.Mortier@bham.ac.uk).

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

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