Research Fellow

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to June 2028

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 a growing and dynamic team working on exoplanets and their atmospheres. The position is for an STFC-funded project entitled “Giant Exoplanets in 3D with JWST Emission Spectroscopy”.

The appointment will be for a fixed term up to end of June 2028, ideally starting in September 2025. The position comes with an allowance to cover international travel and computing. The successful applicant will work primarily with Dr Anjali Piette and Dr Guy Davies.

The project will include developing new inverse modelling (‘retrieval’) methods to extract 3D information from JWST secondary eclipse observations. The models will be applied to JWST observations of giant transiting exoplanets. The successful applicant should have expertise in atmospheric modelling, eclipse mapping and/or interpreting exoplanet atmosphere observations. The work will include:

• Working within an STFC small award grant entitled “Giant Exoplanets in 3D with JWST Emission Spectroscopy”
• Operating within the area of specialism, i.e. exoplanet atmospheres including modelling and the interpretation of spectroscopic observations
• Analysing and interpreting research findings and results
• Publishing results and presenting them at conferences

Role requirements include:

• PhD in astrophysics/astronomy
• Expertise in the interpretation of astronomical data
• Track record in exoplanet atmospheres
• Experience in atmospheric modelling would be beneficial 

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• 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
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration

Person Specification

• PhD degree in Physics and/or Astrophysics, and experience with interpretation of astronomical data 
• 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

Application Process

Applications should include the following as a single pdf file: a cover letter (max 1 page), a CV (max 2 pages), a list of publications (as long as necessary), a two-page statement describing your research interests and plans, and what expertise and skills you bring to the project as well as to the wider research group. Applicants should also provide contact details for 3 referees, who will be contacted after shortlisting. 

Informal enquiries to Anjali Piette, email: a.a.a.piette@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 above.

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

Advert information