University of Oxford
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS AND DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING SCIENCES
Postdoctoral Research Assistant in 'Advanced Data Analysis for Exoplanets'
Grade 7: £29,249 - 35,938 per annum
(1 appointment, fixed-term)
We invite applications for a postdoctoral research position starting on 1 April 2013 or soon thereafter, to work on Bayesian methods for the analysis of observations of exoplanets and their host stars. This appointment is part of a new project funded by the Leverhulme Trust, which aims to produce a toolbox of robust and scalable algorithms inspired by the latest developments in the machine learning literature, but specifically designed to model exoplanet signals. The research assistant will help develop models for planetary signals combined with irregular or quasi-periodic variability, and non-parametric instrumental systematics models. These will be used to improve the detectability of small planets in the presence of stellar activity, and the characterization of their bulk and atmospheric properties.
The appointment is for 2 years initially commencing 1 April 2013 or soon thereafter with the possibility of extension by one more year subject to satisfactory performance and funding, and is based in Oxford Astrophysics. The successful candidate will hold a PhD in astrophysics, statistics, or a directly related field, have excellent computational skills, and be highly motivated and keen to engage with both theoretical and practical aspects of the project.
Only applications received by midday on Friday 30th November 2012 can be considered. You will be required to upload a statement of research interests, curriculum vitae, and a list of publications, and the names and addresses of three referees as part of your online application. In addition, candidates should arrange for the three letters of reference to be sent to vfw@astro.ox.ac.uk</a> by the closing date. Applications are acknowledged but not referee letters. For further enquiries contact s.aigrain1@physics.ox.ac.uk
The University is an equal opportunity employer.
University of Oxford
