Research Associate

About the role

This role forms a vital part of the project “A new light on Jupiter’s auroral emission”, offering the opportunity to contribute to internationally recognised research on the infrared and ultraviolet auroras of Jupiter. Your focus will be on analysing data from the James Webb and Hubble Space Telescopes and developing ionospheric models, with a view to generating novel scientific insights into giant planet auroral processes.

You will engage in leading-edge research and contribute to high-impact publications, while also representing the research team at national and international conferences. You will have the opportunity to shape the project’s direction, collaborate with global partners, supervise postgraduate students, and foster innovative approaches to planetary auroral studies. You’ll also play an important role in the planning and execution of new telescope observations.

About you

You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in a relevant area such as planetary auroras or solar-planetary science, with demonstrable expertise in imaging or spectroscopy of auroral emissions. Strong programming skills (e.g., Python or C++) and experience with space-based data analysis are essential, alongside a track record of published research and contributions to international meetings. A strong understanding of auroral and ionospheric processes will be crucial, as will the ability to work collaboratively within a research team.

Additional information

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Jonathan Nichols on jdn4@leicester.ac.uk 

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

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