We intend to appoint a Research Fellow in Exoplanet research, on a 5-year fixed term position, from September 2017, or as soon as possible thereafter. The successful candidate will have a suitable portfolio of existing, innovative, independent research relevant to the post and an outstanding proposal for future work.
The Fellow will be expected to establish a high-impact research programme and enhance and complement our existing research portfolio in exoplanets. This is a research intensive position that carries an optional teaching workload of at most 6 hours per week during term time, involving teaching and supervision of undergraduate and graduate students. The Centre for Astronomy Research is a large and vibrant research group of around 60 researchers covering many areas of astrophysics, from exoplanets, star formation and the interstellar medium, to galaxies and AGN in the nearby and high-redshift universe. The University has made a substantial long-term investments in computing infrastructure and the development of laboratories including a high resolution spectrograph. We hope to further expand our capabilities in exoplanet research with better links and usage of complementary facilities and datasets through international collaborators.
The Fellow will have established him/herself as an independent researcher, capable of establishing a programme of research activity within the scope of the project. We would aim to recruit someone with complementary expertise in for example, radial velocities, direct imaging or transits all of which form the basis of cutting edge facilities. The Fellow will have excellent oral and written communication skills in both spoken and written English and a track record of publications in high impact journals. S/he will be expected to build capacity in the area of exoplanet research and participate in attracting external funding, previous success being a desirable attribute. S/he should be able to establish good working relationships and work closely with members of the Centre and the broader School of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics at the University of Hertfordshire and with partner organisations as appropriate.
Applications should include a PDF file containing: a CV, publication list, summary of previous research (not exceeding 1 page), a research proposal (not exceeding 2 pages) and contact details of three academic references. Candidates will have obtained a PhD in astrophysics or a related discipline before taking up the fellowship. Applicants who do not currently have the right to work in the UK will have to satisfy UKVI regulations before they can be appointed. Salary will be in the range £32,004 - £34,956 depending on experience. The deadline for applications is August 21st, 2017.
Informal enquiries about the position should be addressed to Prof. Hugh Jones.
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