Tenured faculty position - Astrophysics

The School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham

United Kingdom

Closing Date: 31st March 2014

Description

The School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham invites applications for a tenured faculty position in Astrophysics at the Lectureship level, or exceptionally at a higher level.

The Astrophysics Group has a wide range of research activities, spanning theory, observations and instrumentation. Research areas include galactic and extra-galactic astrophysics, gravitational lensing and cosmology, exoplanets, and gravitational-wave science. Members of the group play important roles in major international efforts and collaborations, such as the Euclid Consortium, XXL, LoCuSS, GAMA, the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the GEO Collaboration, the European and International Pulsar Timing Array Collaboration, and the Einstein gravitational-wave Telescope. Further information about the Astrophysics Group and its work can be found at <http://www.sr.bham.ac.uk/>.

The appointment is expected to complement and expand existing research activities. We encourage especially applications in the areas of extra-galactic astrophysics, cosmology and gravitational-wave instrumentation, but exceptional individuals in any field will be considered. The successful applicant will also contribute to the School's undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.

Early Stage Researcher - Optical tweezers for kinetochore-microtubule interaction

University of Dundee

Scotland, United Kingdom

The deadline for applications is 31st March, 2014.

Description

Early Stage Researcher – MARIE CURIE RESEARCH FELLOW

Project Name: Optical tweezers for kinetochore-microtubule interaction

Summary of Job Purpose & Principal Duties:

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to participate in a European project entitled PHOQUS: 

PHOtonic tools for Quantative imaging in tissUeS. This 3-year PhD programme is a new, highly innovative scheme to train postgraduate students as truly interdisciplinary scientists either as "problem oriented physicists” or "solution oriented biologists".

The PHOQUS project will utilise the University of Dundee’s extensive and world-class expertise in Life Sciences, pioneering work in the Medical School and advanced Photonics to deliver an Innovative Doctoral Training Program directed at the development and application of novel imaging modalities to enable the quantitative investigation of biological processes from the molecular and cellular to the tissue and organ level scale. The training programme will lead automatically to advances and new knowledge on how to harness these new technologies and new strategies. The PHOQUS project is strongly interdisciplinary, with close involvement of 10 Associated Partners and 9 Academic Partners distributed over 7 European countries. 

In the ESR6 project of the PHOQUS programme, a student will study dynamic kinetochore-microtubule interaction in vitro. To maintain genetic information, cells have to inherit the whole set of chromosomes when they multiply. This process relies on correct kinetochore-microtubule interaction during mitosis. The aim of the project is to reconstitute kinetochore-microtubule interaction in vitro using optical tweezers. This research will be undertaken in Prof Tomo Tanaka and Dr David McGloin’s groups in the University of Dundee, Dundee, UK. The successful candidate will also undertake short-term secondments to associate partners and collaborators.

PostDoc - Chemical evolution and abundance of massive stars

Astrophysics Research Institute

Liverpool, United Kingdom

Description

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research position working with Ben Davies at the Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool John Moores University. The aim of the project is to develop and exploit the use of massive stars as probes of their host galaxy's abundances and chemical evolution. This will be done using state-of-the-art model atmospheres in conjunction with near-IR spectroscopy from the VLT and Keck.

PhD - Astrophysics

University of Leicester

United Kingdom

Description

Several research council funded studentships will be available from Autumn 2014 at the University of Leicester for promising potential PhD students in observational and theoretical astrophysics and space science.

Research areas with projects available include high-energy astrophysics, transient searches, galaxy evolution, planet formation and exoplanet studies.

PhD - Metamaterials

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Description

The University of Exeter invites applications for 4-year fully-funded PhD studentships as part of its EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Metamaterials. This new centre-of-excellence ,“XM2”, will act as a hub of international and industrial collaborations, training scientists and engineers with the relevant skills, knowledge and professional attributes to transform the exploitation of metamaterials across industry and academia.

We invite applications from independently-minded undergraduates that have demonstrated excellence at the undergraduate level in a relevant subject. Applicants should have an interest in electromagnetics, acoustics, nanotechnology and/or materials science, and are expected to demonstrate creativity and be open-minded to collaborative work and innovation.

Full scholarships (up to 18 per year), including a stipend to cover living expenses and fees, are available to UK students at standard EPSRC rates. A small number of these may also be available to EU and International students. Industry-orientated studentships may also include a top-up to the stipend.

Metamaterials have properties beyond those found in nature, and have found application across the electromagnetic and acoustic domains. We will run projects ranging from fundamental explorations of physics through to device design. Our students will research a wide range of metastructures spanning 10 orders of scale, from quantum considerations on the atomic scale through to plasmonics and biomimetics and the manufacture of novel composites at the nano-scale. From the control of electron spin (spintronics) and magnonics, to the centimetre and millimetre scale in both acoustics and the RF and microwave regimes.

XM2 is interdisciplinary in nature, with projects taking place across Physics and Engineering.

Our core themes are:

• Plasmonics and graphene photonics including localisation of light at the nanoscale, graphene-based detectors and sources and energy harvesting.
• Natural photonics including the exploration of metastructures and the biomimetics of natural structures.
• THz and Microwave metamaterials including tuneable structures, imaging, surface waves, absorbers, energy harvesters and antennas.
• Magnonics and magnetic metamaterials including spintronics and magnetodynamics.
• Acoustic metamaterials including airborne and SONAR, metasurfaces, composite materials and absorbers.
• Spatial transformations including the application of theory to electromagnetic and acoustic problems.
• Nanomaterials and nanocomposites including carbon-based structures and nanocellulose.

PostDoc - High-angular resolution studies of protoplanetary discs

The astrophysics group at the University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Closing Date: 28th February 2014

Description

The astrophysics group at the University of Exeter invites applications for a postdoctoral position (Associate Research Fellow / Research Fellow) to work primarily with Dr. Stefan Kraus on observational studies related to star and planet formation. This position is funded through grants from the EU Marie Curie actions and the Leverhulme Trust. The post is funded for a fixed term period of 3 years and is expected to commence around October 2014, with a 12 month probationary period.

The broad goal of the position is to carry out original research on protoplanetary discs using high-angular resolution observations. The successful applicant will work in collaboration with the PI on modelling VLTI infrared and/or ALMA sub-millimeter interferometric data and complementary spectroscopic data. We are particularly interested in applicants with experience in modelling the line/continuum emission of protoplanetary discs or a strong background in accretion/outflow-launching physics. Prior experience with the technique

of interferometry is not required, but would be an asset.

PhD - Astronomy & astrophysics

The Astrophysics Group at Keele University

United Kingdom

Closing Date: 28th February 2014

Description

The Astrophysics Group at Keele University has several funded studentships (STFC/Keele funding) in astronomy/astrophysics to start in September 2014.

Possible projects include (title, main supervisor):

- Transiting extra-solar planets with WASP-South, Prof Coel Hellier.

- High-resolution imaging of transiting planet host stars, Dr John Taylor (Southworth).

- Nuclear astrophysics: impact and sensitivity studies, Dr Raphael Hirschi.

- Laboratory astrophysics at the Diamond Light Source, Prof Nye Evans.

- Star formation and stellar ages from the Gaia-ESO Spectroscopic Survey (Prof. R. D. Jeffries).

- Outer solar system chemistry (Dr Jacco van Loon, Prof. A. Evans).

- Star formation in the Magellanic Clouds (Dr. Joana Oliveira).

- Atmospheric properties of A, F and G stars (Dr Barry Smalley).

PhD - Astrophysical research

Jeremiah Horrocks Institute, University of Central Lancashire

United Kingdom

Description

The Jeremiah Horrocks Institute invites applications for PhD studentships in Astrophysics, commencing in October 2014, in the following areas of research:

• Solar Physics.
• Observational Star formation.
• Multi-waveband analysis of galaxies.
• Modelling of nuclear star clusters in galaxies.
• Galactic Archaeology.
• Astrophysical jets.

PhD - Geoinformatics

University of St Andrews

United Kingdom

Deadline date: 31/03/2014

Description

Applications are invited for a research studentship in GeoInformatics, leading to the award of a PhD degree. The post is supported by a bursary and fees at the UK/EU student rate only. The studentship is for three years from September 2014.

Contract - Marine consents advisor

The Crown Estate

London, United Kingdom

Closing date: 13th January 2014

Description

The Crown Estate, valued at over £8 billion, manages a wide range of land and property across the United Kingdom. The diversity of our energy and infrastructure portfolio means we are at the heart of the UK's renewable energy industry.

In this role we'll look to you to use your skills and experience to ensure the timely and robust consenting of projects across our energy and infrastructure portfolio, including offshore wind, wave and tidal energy, marine minerals and cables/pipelines. Day to day, you will offer expert technical advice to colleagues and external project developers on all planning and consenting matters, including environmental issues and consenting processes. You will also support the development of expert knowledge and best practice and assist in the management of consenting risks.

Contract - Geotechnical consultant or senior consultant

WSP Group

Scotland, United Kingdom

Deadline date: 24/01/2013

Description

WSP is a leading global multidiscipline consultancy with approximately 15,000 people worldwide, we deliver commercial and technical excellence to help our clients manage their risks and make sustainable business improvements. Our Geotechnical Design and Consultancy team in the UK are involved in a diverse range of projects including road, rail, wind infrastructure as well as some of the most prestigious and complicated such as The Shard and Crossrail.

We are currently seeking a motivated and ambitious geotechnical consultant to join our growing design and consultancy team in Glasgow or Edinburgh.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the day to day delivery of projects. The available position would suit those with a background in site investigation who would like to make a move into consultancy. For the right candidates there would be the opportunity to become part of the geotechnical design team working closely with our civil infrastructure, development and structural colleagues.

Contract - Domain specialist in the area of telescope operations

Jodrell Bank Observatory

Cheshire, United Kingdom

Closing Date: 14th February 2014

Description

The Square Kilometre Array is a global project to build a multi-purpose radio telescope that will play a major role in answering key questions in modern astrophysics and cosmology.  It will be one of a small number of cornerstone observatories around the world.

We seek a Domain Specialist in the area of Telescope Operations.  Domain Specialists are staff with extensive experience in a particular field of interest to the SKA.  They may cross work breakdown structure boundaries and advise more than one work package manager. They support the SKA Architect in the generation of the top-level requirements and any re-baselining activities.  Domain Specialists provide engineering performance analysis as well as costing and other information to work package managers.

Requirements

The post-holder will have a relevant degree (or equivalent) in engineering or physical sciences and will be able to demonstrate experience at a high level in both the strategic planning and the day-to-day technical operations of a large science facility.

More information and applications

PostDoc - IFU Galaxy Evolution

University of Portsmouth

United Kingdom

Closing Date: 3rd February 2014

Description

The Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation at the University of Portsmouth (www.icg.port.ac.uk) intends to appoint a Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in integral field unit spectroscopy and data processing development to work on the upcoming project MaNGA (Mapping Nearby Galaxies at APO). MaNGA, as part of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey IV. MaNGA is an optical fiber-based multi-object IFU that will target

10,000 galaxies over a 6-year campaign with start of operations on 1st July 2014. The successful applicant will participate in the development of MaNGA's data processing software and in the scientific analysis of

MaNGA data with Dr Daniel Thomas, Dr Karen Masters, Dr Claudia Maraston and other MaNGA team members at the ICG and within the SDSS-IV collaboration.

Requirements

A PhD in astronomy or physics is required. Experience with data processing of large data sets and software development is preferable, and previous involvement in IFU observations and analysis will be considered an advantage. Experience with or interest in stellar population analysis and/or kinematics would be useful.

We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, but applications are particularly encouraged from traditionally under-represented groups in science. Portsmouth is member of the Athena SWAN charter and an Institute of Physics Project Juno Supporter. These projects show a commitment to introduce organisational and cultural practices that promote gender equality in science and create a better working

environment for women and men.

More information and applications

Several astrophysical research positions

Armagh Observatory

Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Closing Date: 21st February 2014

Description

Applications are invited for fixed-term postgraduate research studentships tenable at the Armagh Observatory from Sept/Oct 2014.

Armagh Observatory, located in Northern Ireland, is an astrophysical research institute with a heritage covering more than two centuries. Currently it has 8 staff astronomers, 2 post-doctoral fellows, a dozen PhD students and several visiting astronomers. Research interests include Solar Physics, Solar-System Science, Stellar and Galactic Astrophysics.

Requirements

Candidates must have, or expect to obtain, at least an upper second class honours degree or equivalent, in an appropriate discipline (e.g. Physics, Mathematics, Astronomy or Astrophysics). Successful candidates will enroll at an appropriate university and carry out a research programme at the Armagh Observatory. Applications are encouraged from candidates of any nationality.

More information and applications

PhD - Heliophysics

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Closing Date: 15th January 2014

Description

A College PhD studentship, starting October 2014 (for 3.5 years), is available for research on ‘Multi-spacecraft investigations of solar and heliospheric plasmas’. The project will investigate plasma and dynamical properties of magnetic structures in the solar corona and in the solar wind, by developing and exploiting multi-spacecraft data analysis of remote and in-situ observations.

The project is supervised by Dr. Claire Foullon, in the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, at the University of Exeter, UK.

More information and applications

PhD - Solar system research

University of Oxford

United Kingdom

Closing date: 24th January 2014

Description and requirements

The University of Oxford has several Planetary Physics DPhil (PhD) positions available in the Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics (AOPP) department from October 2014.

The available projects cover a broad range of planetary atmospheric science: studies of brown dwarfs spectroscopy; Rosetta investigations of cometary atmospheres; ground-based observations and Spitzer studies of planetary processes at work on ice giants Uranus and Neptune; Cassini studies of Saturn's seasons; ground-based observations of Jupiter's weather; and experimental studies of planetary heat transport. Please visit the following website for specifics of each project:

http://www2.physics.ox.ac.uk/study-here/postgraduates/atmospheric-oceanic-and-planetary-physics/planetary-physics

More information and applications

Contract - Environmental geologist

The British Geological Survey

Belfast, United Kingdom

Closing date for receipt of application: January 3rd 2014.

Description

The British Geological Survey is one of the world's leading and forward thinking geological science institutes, focusing on public-good science for government and geoscientific research to advance understanding of earth and environmental processes. A vacancy has arisen for a highly motivated and enthusiastic Environmental Geologist, to be based at the Geological Survey Northern Ireland (GSNI) in Belfast.

GSNI is an office within the Northern Ireland government. It has responsibility for advising government on mineral and petroleum exploration and development, land-use planning and groundwater management. GSNI carries out programmes of geoscience mapping, research, publishing and public outreach in support of these functions (see www.bgs.ac.uk/gsni).

We are seeking to recruit an Environmental Geologist. You will have a principal role to undertake the statutory GSNI responsibility for monitoring and managing the legacy of abandoned mines sites. You will also work on other parts of the GSNI programme. 

Requirements

You must have a BSc in a geoscience subject, together with experience of relevant geological work, including a significant field component. The role will include some remote field work; therefore it is essential you hold a full, clean driving licence. As the post involves team working, you need to demonstrate in your application that you are able to work effectively with others. You must have excellent oral and written communication skills. You must be self-motivated and confident in managing your work. 

More information and applications

PostDoc - Lectureships in geoInformatics

University of St Andrews

United Kingdom

Closing date: January 17th 2014

Description

Researchers in the Centre for GeoInformatics in the School of Geography and Geosciences at the University of St Andrews have been selected for a prestigious award under the Q-Step Quantitative Methods Programme funded by a combination of the Nuffield Foundation and the ESRC. This programme will employ two new lecturers: in GeoInformatics, specialisation Remote Sensing (post A) and in Spatio-temporal analysis, specialization Spatial statistics (post B) to add substantial new courses to our existing undergraduate curriculum and help deliver a new MSc in GeoInformatics. The successful candidates will also contribute to the successful development of the Centre for GeoInformatics; to seek external funding for research and to engage in the recruitment and supervision of research postgraduates; to contribute effectively to the intellectual environment of the School; to engage in internationally recognized, peer-reviewed publication of original research; and to work closely with Professor Stewart Fotheringham and other CGI members.  

More information and applications

Contract - Project technician

College of Science and Engineering SUERC, University of Glasgow

Glasgow, United Kingdom

Closing date: 6 January 2014

Description

The SUERC seek to appoint a Project Technician to support the day to day running of the large Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland grant to investigate the origin, structure and chemical composition of carbon in an integrated approach to characterization in Martian meteorites.

With responsibility for the maintenance of equipment / apparatus, provision of consumables and the operation of services and equipment in relation to the work of the grant you will undertake laboratory analyses of Martian meteoritic and terrestrial analogue material and play an active role in achieving the project aims and objectives.

More information and applications

PhD - Heliophysics

University of Exeter

United Kingdom

Application deadline: January 15 2014

Description

A College PhD studentship, starting October 2014 (for 3.5 years), is available for research on ‘Multi-spacecraft investigations of solar and heliospheric plasmas’. The project will investigate plasma and dynamical properties of magnetic structures in the solar corona and in the solar wind, by developing and exploiting multi-spacecraft data analysis of remote and in-situ observations.

The project is supervised by Dr. Claire Foullon, in the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, at the University of Exeter, UK.

More information and applications