University Lectureship in Experimental Astrophysics

The Department of Physics invites applications for University Lectureship in Astrophysics (equivalent to an Assistant Professor position) with a focus on Exoplanet and life in the Universe researches. To commence on 1st October 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Lectureship will be based in the Department of Physics in the Astrophysics group which is located in the Battcock Centre for Experimental Astrophysics with access to laboratory space in the Cavendish Laboratory (Department of Physics).  The appointment will strengthen the group’s existing international reputation on detection and characterization of exoplanets in the new direction of planetology and Life in the Universe. https://exoplanets.phy.cam.ac.uk.

The appointment will be for a probationary period of five years, with appointment to the retiring age thereafter, subject to satisfactory performance.

The Department is looking for a talented and ambitious early career scientist to promote and develop a long-range vision program paving the way to eventually remote sensing detection of life on exoplanets. The successful candidate will have a world-class research record in research about Exoplanet and life in the Universe. They will be expected to lead the group’s activities on that theme. By nature exoplanet and life the Universe is a multidisciplinary program. The candidate is expected to demonstrate interest and capabilities to operate in a multidisciplinary environment combining Chemistry, Earth Science and Physics

Applicants should have a PhD in physics (or a cognate discipline), a strong record of relevant research, and must show evidence of enthusiasm and ability to teach a wide range of physics courses successfully at both undergraduate and master’s level.  This work will include the delivery of existing courses, and the development of new teaching materials, lecture courses, examinations and laboratory classes. The Department is active in promoting policies to address historic under-representation of women and minority groups in its workforce. We are proud to hold an Athena-SWAN Gold Award for our work on equality and diversity. Candidates from under-represented groups, as well as candidates with a track-record in addressing barriers to equality and diversity in education, are particularly encouraged to apply.

Applications should be submitted online via the University of Cambridge jobs page https://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/28324/  by clicking “Apply online” in the job advert. You will need an email address to register for our online system. Please ensure that you upload the following documents:-

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A list of up to ten papers where you have made the most significant personal contributions. We do not require a full list of your collaborative papers.
• A research proposal of no longer than 3 pages, including a description as to how your research plans fit with existing Cavendish activities. It is not necessary to review the overall plans of existing research in the astrophysics group except where they are directly relevant to your proposal. 
• A one page statement on your approach to teaching and how you believe you can contribute to the Department’s teaching programme at undergraduate and graduate level.

If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.  

Short-listed candidates will be invited to visit the Department to give a research seminar and attend a formal interview.  This interview process will take place during April 2021.

Further details of the post can be found at https://www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/28324/ .