Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Molecular Astrophysics and Protoplanetary Disks

A three-year postdoctoral research fellowship, funded by the UK’s Science & Technology Facilities Council, is available in the Molecular Astrophysics Group, Astrophysics Research Centre, Queen’s University Belfast.

The position will involve working with Professor Tom Millar on theoretical modelling of physics and chemistry in protoplanetary disks (PPDs), in particular to incorporate a better treatment of grain charge, grain growth, transport and settling. Models of deuterium chemistry in PPDs will be studied and the link investigated between PPD chemistry and that in the early Solar System. The project will be in collaboration with international scientists and the fellow will be expected to develop observational programmes, with particular reference to ALMA.

Applicants will have, or be about to obtain, a PhD in a relevant subject and at least 3 years relevant research experience, a developing record of journal publications commensurate with stage of career and some experience of modelling techniques used in astrochemistry or in the study of protoplanetary disks.

Candidates with a background in astrochemistry, protoplanetary disks, radiative transfer or low mass star formation are encouraged to apply.

The deadline is Tuesday 2 May 2017 with interviews scheduled for the week beginning 22 May 2017.

The start date is by mutual consent from 1 June 2017 onwards. Further details on the post and the online application process are given in the web links. For further details on the project, please contact Professor Tom Millar, [email protected]