Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role

A postdoctoral researcher is being recruited to work with Dr Andrew Winter, as an observational astronomer in a primarily theory-oriented group. The high-level goal is to connect protoplanetary disc properties as inferred by multi-wavelength observations to larger scale environmental conditions in the surrounding interstellar medium. As such, the successful candidate will work on both new and archival data, as well as working towards future observing proposals and strategies. Within this framework, the successful candidate will have flexibility and freedom to tailor the project to their own research interests.

About You

Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant discipline or will have obtained it by commencement of the position. Candidates should have some experience in multi-wavelength astronomical observations, particularly in interferometry/ALMA, although a broad range of observational expertise will be considered. Successful candidates should preferably have a background in research into planet formation/protoplanetary discs or the ISM/star formation and may also have some experience in statistical methods and/or machine learning.

Dr Winter and QMUL are committed to improving the diversity of the astrophysics community and particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

About the School/Department/Institute/Project

This position is part of the Royal Society University Research Fellowship of Dr Andrew Winter. The overarching goal of this project is to establish the connections between the properties of exoplanets and the large-scale star formation environment. This grant will also fund two PhD students that the PDRA will work closely with. The team also closely collaborates with Dr. Myriam Benisty and her research group at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg, Germany. There will be opportunity for travel between institutes.

The Astronomy Unit at QMUL is embedded in the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS), at the Mile End campus. The Astronomy Unit includes a lively exoplanet/planet formation community, including the groups of Dr. T. Haworth, Dr. E. Gillen and Prof. R. Nelson.

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.

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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