Research Fellow - School of Physics and Astronomy - 103253 - Grade 7

Position Details

School of Physics and Astronomy 

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £37,099 

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2027

Closing date: 3rd March 2024

UK and International travel may be required for this role

Background  

Applications are invited to join the Sun, Stars and Exoplanets Research Group in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham, as part of a growing and dynamic team working in stellar astrophysics, using asteroseismology and helioseismology, and exoplanets. 

Role Summary

We are seeking to appoint an STFC-funded Research Fellow to use the four decades of Birmingham Solar Oscillations Network (BiSON) data to investigate stellar variability phenomena across a magnetic cycle on timescales from minutes to months. The successful applicant should have expertise in the use of astronomical data and high-level statistical techniques. The work will include: 

• Recalibrating the BiSON data to obtain measurement stability beyond one month 
• Tracing variability on timescales from oscillations to rotation in the re-calibrated BiSON data. A particular focus will be on under-studied effects such as sectoral r-modes or Evershed flows. 
• Testing an optimal exoplanet observational exposure time by exploiting BiSON's extremely fast readout times. 
• Finding Earth 2.0 in BiSON data through injection and recovery tests. The effect of the Sun's varying magnetic cycle and effect of different observational strategies will be utilised for this purpose. 

The successful applicant will work primarily with Dr Annelies Mortier and Dr Guy Davies.  

Role requirements include: 

• PhD in astrophysics/astronomy (or near to completion)
• Expertise in the use of astronomical data 
• Track record in stellar astrophysics, with experience of stellar variability 
• Experience in data calibration would be beneficial 

Application process

You should make sure to attach the following to your application as one pdf file : a cover letter (max 1 page); a CV (max 2 pages); a full publication list; a statement of research plans and objectives (max 3 pages); and contact details for three referees.  

In the form, you will get a question asking to specify the reasons to apply. You should just point to your uploaded document.

All applications received by the deadline (Sunday 3^rd March 2024) will receive full consideration. We anticipate interviews to take place 19th/20th March 2024.

Environment   

The School of Physics and Astronomy is a world-leading physics department, excelling in both research and teaching. Our physics research was recently ranked top in the UK for 4-star-category research, and 4th by GPA, by the Research Excellence Framework 2021. The 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Professor Mike Kosterlitz and Professor David Thouless jointly for their work into the discoveries of the properties of matter, work which started when they were at Birmingham together. The 2017 Nobel Prize was awarded for the detection of gravitational waves, in which Birmingham staff played a key role. The School is an excellent environment for an upcoming academic. 

The School’s research portfolio is wide-ranging, and covers three principal themes: Quantum Matter; Particle and Nuclear Physics; and Astronomy and Experimental Gravity. It has over 120 academic and research staff together with 120 graduate students with around 50 technical and clerical support staff.  

The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of the Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School’s commitment to promote diversity and equality, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all students and staff can achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, but applications from traditionally under-represented groups in physics and astronomy are particularly encouraged. We are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.  

Main Duties  

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.   

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required 
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding 
• Analyse and interpret data 
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding 
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc 
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline 
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods 
• Undertake management/administration arising from research 
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration 
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader 
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews 
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research 
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines 
• Promote equality, value diversity, acting as a role model, and fostering an inclusive working culture 

Person Specification  

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree (or near to completion) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications 
• High level analytical capability 
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly 
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones 
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes 
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project 
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort 
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly 

Informal enquiries to Dr Annelies Mortier, email: and/or Dr Guy Davies, email:

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is one of our values. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone  on our website .