College of Engineering, Mathematics & Physical Sciences
This new full-time post is available from 1 April 2021 on a fixed-term basis until 31 March 2024.
The post
The College wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow focussing on the spectroscopic and photometric analysis and modelling of the atmospheres of directly-imaged planets and substellar objects. The position is funded for 36 months by the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), and can begin as soon as April 2021, but a starting date later than this may be possible.
The post will coincide with the arrival of an ensemble of data, comprising totally novel spectroscopy and imaging of directly imaged planets, from our Early Release Science (ERS) Programme with James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The successful applicant will work closely with Professor Sasha Hinkley (PI for the JWST ERS Programme) as well as Dr Eric Hebrard, and will have the opportunity to exploit the first-ever direct measurements of exoplanet spectroscopy and photometry from 1 to 28 microns, and potentially to create a new suite of atmospheric models customised for directly imaged planets by leveraging the atmospheric modelling expertise already in place at Exeter. In addition, the postdoc will also have flexibility to pursue their own scientific programmes. We also welcome applicants with expertise in either data processing and analysis for exoplanet direct imaging and spectroscopy, and/or experience comparing/fitting theoretical models to such data.
The Exeter Astrophysics Group, a vibrant community of -20 faculty and -40 postdocs and PhD students, has numerous leading efforts related to multi-dimensional modelling of exoplanet atmospheres (exoclimatology.com), as well as observational efforts at VLT (SPHERE, ERIS, GRAVITY), the W.M Keck Observatory, and the upcoming ELT-METIS instrument. The College holds both Athena Swan Silver and IOP Juno Champion status and is committed to maintaining standards of inclusivity.
About you
The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.
Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in either data reduction and analysis for exoplanet direct imaging and spectroscopy, and/or experience comparing/fitting theoretical models to such data, and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. Applicants will be able to actively engage with other members of the Exeter Astrophysics group to identify compelling problems to solve, or exploit synergies within the group.
In addition to the CV and cover letter you are asked to upload, please also attach the following in addition:
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment above.
The University of Exeter is a Russell Group university in the top 200 of universities worldwide. We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, and have achieved a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2017. We have over 22,000 students and 4600 staff from 180 different countries and have been rated the WhatUni2017 International Student Choice. Our research focuses on some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today, with 98% of our research rated as being of international quality in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students.
What we can offer you
For further information please contact Sasha Hinkley, e-mail S.Hinkley@exeter.ac.uk or telephone (01392) 725522.
The closing date for completed applications is 1 February 2021. Interviews are expected to take place shortly thereafter on 10 February 2021.
