Research Associate in Stellar Astrophysics

Research Associate in Stellar Astrophysics

Newcastle University

Newcastle, United Kingdom

The Role

We invite applications for a postdoctoral research associate in stellar astrophysics to join the UKRI-funded SYMPHONY project managed by Dr Dominic Bowman at Newcastle University.

The SYMPHONY project combines various sources of data to perform asteroseismic modelling of massive stars and measure their masses, ages and interior rotation profiles. The growing astrophysics group at Newcastle University has wider expertise in galaxy evolution, cosmology, compact objects and MHD simulations, in addition to stellar astrophysics and asteroseismology, and are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment.

The advertised vacancy is a 2-year postdoctoral research associate position to detect and characterise pulsating magnetic stars, and perform magnetoasteroseismic modelling to constrain their interior magnetic fields.

Those with a strong research background in spectropolarimetry of early-type stars are particularly encouraged to apply. Candidates with experience in related analysis methods relevant to asteroseismology of massive stars, for example binarity, photometry, spectroscopy, and evolution modelling are also welcome to apply. In addition to project-specific activities, you will be encouraged to pursue independent research and receive mentoring in developing their career.

Key Accountabilities

The main duties and responsibilities are as follows:

• Conduct the research along the lines of the programme of the funded project;
• Work successfully in an interdisciplinary research team and wider collaborators to publish world-leading research;
• Present outputs of the research from the research team to scientific and non-scientific audiences, in written and oral form;
• Contribute to the positive culture and general strengths of the research group and the School, for example through supervision of project students, participation in outreach, leading initiatives to promote Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and organising/ participating in research events;
• Any other duties that may be required from time to time, commensurate with the grade of the post.

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Excellent technical skills in analysing and interpreting data sets that can be applied to the aims of the project as described under ‘The role’;
• A track record of high-quality research outputs related to the goals of the project (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, open-source software, etc.);
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write concisely for publications, and creatively for communications;
• A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with career stage.

Desirable:

• Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals in collaboration with other academics and international consortia;
• Experience in creating and/or delivering activities designed to make science more accessible and inclusive and/or to promote science to the general public.

Attributes and Behaviour

• Ability to work independently using own initiative and to meet strict deadlines;
• Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings and working on joint research projects;
• High level of analytical, numerical and problem-solving capability;
• A commitment to the values of equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of your work;
• Ability to set own research goals, be self-motivated and proactive.

Desirable:

• Demonstrable commitment to promoting a positive and healthy research culture (e.g., by actively supporting/mentoring students, supporting initiatives to improve the work environment etc.);
• An interest in student supervision (postgraduate and undergraduates).

Qualifications

• PhD awarded in a relevant discipline (or exceptionally equivalent professional experience);
• Honours degree in a relevant discipline.

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United Kingdom      Academic      Physics      Postdoc      Solid State Physics      Space and Astronomy      Newcastle University