Research Associate in Machine Learning

Contract type: Open ended

Work hours: 35.0 hours per week

The role

Applications are invited to a Postdoctoral Research position, working in the implementation of machine learning methods to better reduce spectroscopic data from JWST and Hubble with Dr. Hannah Wakeford in the Astrophysics Group at the University of Bristol. The position is full-time open-ended contract. The position is funded through UKRI Frontier Research Grant (formerly Horizon Europe ERC Starting Grants) and is for a 1-year role. Salaries start at £37,099 per annum but can be higher depending on previous experience and position offered, in addition there is funds for specific national and international meetings and workshops.

The successful candidate will sit in the astrophysics group which consists of ~40 researchers, students, and support staff. The group’s research spans a range of observational, numerical, and theoretical topics from exoplanets to extra-galactic cosmology. We are a diverse and friendly group and welcome candidates with an interest in the interpretation of exoplanet spectra.

Please submit via the Bristol portal a cover letter, CV, and research statement including information on previous and current work alongside plans for the future (research statement no more than 2 pages). Please also provide information for two referees (this does not have to be your PhD supervisor but should be able to talk directly to your research).

What will you be doing?

The position will involve working with machine learning techniques to improve the reduction and analysis of spectroscopic observations primarily from JWST and Hubble. The core goal of the funding program is to develop or implement multi-dimensional techniques working with observations to generate 3D maps of exoplanet atmospheres. This role will work in the improvement of this data and our understanding of the observations through faster and more accurate cleaning methods. There will be freedom to direct projects and the opportunity to pursue your own research aligned with the overall goals of the advertised program. 

You should apply if

We encourage those with image-based machine learning experience to apply. It is expected that the applicant will have a PhD (or that their viva/defence is already schedule) prior to starting the position.

Informal enquiries (not applications) can be made to Dr. Hannah Wakeford (Hannah.wakeford@bristol.ac.uk)

Please note this position will be open until appropriately filled and those with expected defence dates in late 2024 are encouraged to apply.

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding until 04/08/2025

School/Unit: 

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 20/06/2024

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

Advert information