Research Associate in Fractal Aerosols for Exoplanet Science

The role

Applications are invited to a Postdoctoral Research position, working in the implementation of detailed modelling, using the discrete dipole approximation, on fractal aggregate aerosols with Dr Hannah Wakeford in the Astrophysics Group at the University of Bristol. The position is full-time fixed funded for 6-9 months through the Leverhulme Trust. Salaries start at £39,906 per annum, in addition there is funds for specific national and international meetings and workshops.

The successful candidate will sit in the astrophysics group which consists of ~40 researchers, students, and support staff. The group’s research spans a range of observational, numerical, and theoretical topics from exoplanets to extra-galactic cosmology. We are a diverse and friendly group and welcome candidates with experience with exoplanet cloud modelling codes an interest in the interpretation of exoplanet spectra.

Please submit via the Bristol portal a cover letter, CV, and research statement including information on previous and current work alongside plans for the future (research statement no more than 2 pages). Please also provide information for two referees (this does not have to be your PhD supervisor but should be able to talk directly to your research).

What will you be doing?

The position will involve working with discrete dipole approximation codes to compute the needed input tables for the exoplanet cloud code Virga. The core goal of the funding program is to investigate the complex role of aerosols in exoplanet atmospheres. This role will work in the improvement of modelling methods to apply to spectroscopic data for planetary atmospheres.  There will be freedom to direct projects and the opportunity to pursue your own research aligned with the overall goals of the advertised program. 

You should apply if

We encourage those with experience with both the implementation of the discrete dipole approximation and the cloud code Virga to apply. It is expected that the applicant will have a PhD (or that their viva/defence is already schedule), or equivalent professional qualification/experience prior to starting the position.

Additional information

Contract type: Fixed term for 6-9 months

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 01/12/2025

The interviews are anticipated to take place shortly after the closing date

For informal queries, please contact: 

Dr Hannah Wakeford, Associate Professor in Astrophysics (Hannah.wakeford@bristol.ac.uk)

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

Advert information