Student Summer Placement

About the Role

The QMUL Astronomy Unit offers the opportunity for undergraduate students, both internal to QMUL and external (from other universities), to join our research groups over the summer to take part in, and contribute to, the research being done by the different groups.

Research in the AU falls under three main themes: Cosmology & Relativity, Extrasolar Planets & Planet Formation, and Space & Astrophysical Plasmas, and each year we offer opportunities for students interested in these areas.

Each year, there will be events organised for the cohort of internship students to meet each other, interact, learn about each other's projects, and experience what working on cutting-edge research topics in a leading research group is like.

 A (non-exhaustive) selection of projects:

• Monitoring space debris (Dr Heli Hietala)
• Space particle detectors: what needs to be measured (Dr Heli Hietala)
• Understanding space/astrophysical processes through laboratory plasma experiments (Dr Christopher Chen)
• Role and predictability of fundamental plasma processes in space weather (Dr Christopher Chen)
• Using the Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter spacecraft to explore the near-Sun plasma environment (Dr Christopher Chen)

About You

You will currently be studying for a degree in Physics/Astronomy. You will have knowledge of areas of physics and/or astronomy relevant to the project, demonstrated by academic performance. You will be able to assist with conducting original research in the area of the research programme. You will also be able to work successfully as part of a team, towards a shared vision.

How to apply

Please prepare your application as a single PDF document containing the following elements:

1. CV (detailing your academic achievements/experience and any other relevant expertise)
2. Grade transcript(s).
3. A statement of interests (include which project/s you are interested in).

 Please upload this to the “CV” section of the online form. 

About the Department

The Department of Physics and Astronomy maintains a tradition of outstanding research in ground-breaking fields. Our research is internationally excellent, with academic, research staff and students working in dedicated Research Centres in Experimental Particle Physics, Astrophysics, Condensed Matter, and Theoretical Physics.

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

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.

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.

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