Research Fellow in Star and Planet Formation

Applications are invited for an ambitious researcher to work on the formation of brown dwarfs and free-floating planets. The fellow will work with Dr. Aleks Scholz and the SONYC collaboration on a multi-faceted observational study of young brown dwarfs, using data from JWST, Gaia, Kepler/K2 and JCMT. SONYC is short for 'Substellar Objects in Nearby Young Clusters', an international long-term project to investigate young brown dwarfs down to masses comparable to giant planets. The team has Guaranteed Time for Cycle 1 at the James Webb Space Telescope and access to the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope as well as the Las Cumbres Observatory global telescope network.

The School of Physics & Astronomy offers a vibrant and modern work environment. Astrophysics research in St Andrews combines theoretical, numerical and observational research in star formation, protoplanetary discs, extra-solar planets, stellar magnetic activity, star-planet interaction, gravitational lensing, active galactic nuclei, galaxy dynamics and cosmology. The School hosts members of the recently founded cross-disciplinary Center for Exoplanet Science.

The successful candidate should have a PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, or a closely related field by the appointment start date, with experience in multi-wavelength or time-domain observations of young stellar or substellar objects. The position is available for a starting date between 1 May 2018 and 1 September 2018, for a period of three years.  The position is supported by an STFC consolidated grant and includes funds for computing and travel.

Candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, publication list, and a brief statement of research experience and interests through the online application system. They should also arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent directly to Dr Aleks Scholz.