Postdoctoral Research Assistant in The Formation of Circumbinary Planets
Job Summary
Job Description
The position is for three years fixed term contract, commencing from 1st June 2019, or as soon as possible thereafter.
A highly-motivated postdoctoral researcher is sought to join the Astronomy Unit, School of Physics and Astronomy, at Queen Mary University of London. The researcher will work under the supervision of Prof. Richard Nelson as part of the programme ``Empirical Evidence and Theoretical Investigations on Circumbinary Planets”, funded by the Leverhulme Trust Grant RPG-2018-418 that is held jointly with Dr. Amaury Triaud at the University of Birmingham.
The successful candidate will lead the development of theoretical models of planet formation around close binary star systems. This will involve two strands of research: developing sophisticated, multi-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations of circumbinary discs containing planetary building blocks, and growing protoplanets, to examine the efficiency of the growth and orbital evolution of embedded planets; developing an N-body code, along with prescriptions for migration and other disc-related processes, to allow population synthesis models of circumbinary planet formation to be constructed. The work will go hand-in-hand with an observational search for circumbinary planets, led by Dr. Amaury Triaud.
The successful candidate should have a PhD or a shortly-expected PhD (thesis submitted by job commencement) in astrophysics or a closely related subject, and extensive experience with the development and running of relevant numerical simulation codes (e.g. FARGO3D).
The Planetary Systems group at QMUL has diverse research interests, including the observational search for exoplanets, planetary formation and migration, protoplanetary disc dynamics and evolution, satellite formation and dynamics, and ring-satellite interactions. Group members play key roles in international experiments, including CARMENES, ESA’s PLATO and JUICE missions, and on-going analysis of Cassini data. The successful candidate will be encouraged to interact widely with members of the both the planetary systems group and the broader QMUL Astronomy Unit.
The position is available for three years commencing on 1st June 2019, or as soon as possible thereafter. Potential applicants are welcome to contact Prof. Richard Nelson with any queries about research aspects of the position ([email protected]).
General information about the School can be found at www.ph.qmul.ac.uk and about the Astronomy Unit at https://www.qmul.ac.uk/spa/astro/ .
Applications should consist of:
1) A CV & list of publications, highlighting up to five most relevant works.
2) A research statement (maximum two pages in length). This should describe your previous research experience, your skill set, and your future professional plans.
3) Contact information for two academic references who can provide letters in support of your application.
Please provide for each referee their name and title, institution, e-mail address and telephone number.
Please consolidate all this information in a single PDF file, and upload it as your CV in our on-line application system.
To apply, please click on the link below.
Enquiries on the application procedures can be addressed to Ms. Jazmina Vaca Ortiz:
The closing date for applications is 1st May 2019. Interviews are expected to be held in May 2019.
The School of Physics and Astronomy is proud to hold Institute of Physics JUNO Champion status and Athena SWAN silver status; we have a number of supportive policies in place to facilitate a diverse and inclusive working environment. We strongly encourage applications from and all under-represented groups - see http://ph.qmul.ac.uk/about for details.
Valuing Diversity & Committed to Equality