Research Associate

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to September 2026

Background

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 the growing and dynamic team of Dr Annelies Mortier working in exoplanets and stellar astrophysics. 

Role Summary

We are seeking to appoint one motivated UKRI-funded research associate as part of the FLF project “Finding a second Earth through stellar understanding” - PI Mortier. This research project aims to improve the precise and stable extraction of stellar radial velocity from high-resolution spectra, taking into account the effects of stellar magnetic variability; build, deploy and exploit a polarising Solar Telescope connected with a high-resolution stabilised spectrograph; study the Sun-as-a-star during Solar maximum, connecting the large-scale magnetic flux variations with the observed radial velocity variability; and put Earth in an exoplanet context focusing on the chemical diversity of planets and their hosts. For this specific role, the focus will be on the accurate determination of stellar atmospheric parameters and individual chemical abundances to inform both the RV extraction as well as the planet demographics.

The successful applicant should have expertise in the use of high-resolution stellar spectroscopy, in-depth stellar characterisation, and the understanding of model systematics using large data sets. 

The successful applicant will work primarily with Dr Annelies Mortier and other members in her team.

Role requirements include:

• Master degree in astrophysics/astronomy
• Research experience in astrophysics/astronomy
• Expertise in the use of high-resolution optical stellar spectroscopy
• Proven track record in accurate stellar characterisation

Main Duties

• Collect stellar spectroscopic data
• Analyse spectroscopic data using state-of-the-art pipelines
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, giving seminars and presenting at conferences
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods to further advance soectroscopic stellar analysis
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• Masters Degree or equivalent in astrophysics
• Practical experience of applying spectroscopic stellar analysis
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully, including large databases
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Annelies Mortier, email: a.mortier@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.

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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

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