Research Assistant/Associate in Protoplanetary Discs (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

We are offering a STFC funded postdoctoral position at the Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge to work within the Discsim group of Cathie Clarke, which focuses on simulations of dust and gas in protoplanetary discs and their comparison with observational data. The IoA offers a vibrant research environment for protoplanetary disc studies, with synergies with groups undertaking complementary research in debris discs and in protoplanetary disc theory being fostered within the interdepartmental Cambridge Exoplanet Research Centre (https://exoplanets.phy.cam.ac.uk/). The newly established Cambridge Initiative for Planetary Science and Life in the Universe (https://www.iplu.phy.cam.ac.uk/) provides further linkage to interdisciplinary work in this area.

For the present position, expertise in radiative transfer modeling would be particularly valuable; other skills that could benefit the project include experience with the analysis of imaging data or else wider experience of hydrodynamical modeling. In addition to leadership of the core projects (which involve radiative transfer modeling as a step in linking hydrodynamical simulations with scattered light and submm continuum data for protoplanetary discs) applicants are encouraged to develop independent research programs.

Applicants must have a PhD in Astronomy or a related field, or have satisfied the requirements for the PhD, by the time of appointment. Applicants must possess a scientific publication record and a clear outline of current and future research areas of interest. Applicants must have excellent communication and computing skills and are expected to produce scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

A successful candidate who has not been awarded their PhD will be under appointed at Grade 5, (Research Assistant - £27,116 to £31,406 per annum) and upon award, promoted to Grade 7, (Research Associate - £33,309 to £40,927 per annum).

The University of Cambridge thrives on the diversity of its staff and students. Applications from underrepresented groups are particularly welcome. We have an active Equality and Diversity Committee which continually works to further the aims of the Athena SWAN charter. The University has a number of family- friendly policies and initiatives, including a returning-carer scheme, childcare costs support, university workplace nurseries, university holiday play-schemes, and a shared parental-leave policy. As part of its commitment to providing a family-friendly environment for researchers, the IoA ensures that should parental leave be needed during the course of employment, there is provision for extension to contract to compensate for the parental leave taken.

Click the 'Apply' link below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please submit your application by 23:59 GMT of the closing date of Wednesday 22nd December 2021. Please refer to further particulars for full instructions and be aware that referees will be asked to supply reference letters by 4th January 2022. If you have any queries about your application please contact Ms Joy McSharry (hr(at)ast.cam.ac.uk). Informal enquires may be addressed to Professor Cathie Clarke (cclarke(at)ast.cam.ac.uk).

Please quote reference LG29122 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.