Research Associate in Astrophysics

Fixed Term: up to 2 years

Applications are invited for a 2-year Research Associate position within Imperial Astrophysics in the Department of Physics at Imperial College London. We are seeking candidates with expertise in protoplanetary discs, with preference from a modelling and/or theoretical perspective; however, strong observational candidates will be considered.

Astrophysics at Imperial has a strong programme in solar and stellar physics, exoplanet physics, protoplanetary disc physics, and galactic and extragalactic star formation, involving observations, numerical simulations and theory. The Group further fosters collaborations with the solar system and planetary group to apply insights and models for solar system bodies to exoplanetary systems, and with the plasma physics group to model phenomena such as stellar jets and star-planet magnetic interactions. It also has an internationally recognised centre for astrostatistics, with emphasis on Bayesian analysis of large-scale astronomical surveys, cosmology and particle physics.

This position is supported by Dr James Owen's Leverhulme-funded project, "The chemical fingerprints of gas-giant formation around other stars", which aims to understand the origin and evolution of planetary systems; you will work in collaboration with PhD students at Imperial and in Leeds (under the supervision of Dr Richard Booth).  You will be expected to help produce independent and original research, submit publications to refereed journals and support the activities of the research group. You will have the freedom to develop your own research program alongside other members of the exoplanet group and have access to Imperial's significant HPC resources.. 

You will join a vibrant, broad and growing exoplanet research group at Imperial with opportunities to collaborate not only with members of the exoplanet group but with other Imperial members with planetary interests. The main goal of the position is to model planet formation, with a particular focus on the observational signatures. One major area will be considering the formation of giant planet formation and how they impact the composition and dusty properties of the protoplanetary disc. Previous experience in any of these aspects would be beneficial for the position but is not mandatory.

Significant funding is available for travel, visitors and computing.

You must hold a PhD (or equivalent) in Astronomy, Planetary Science, or Physics.

You must also be able to demonstrate the following essential criteria:

• Relevant research experience in exoplanet science.
• Experience in carrying out research of high quality, independently and in a team, evidenced by a portfolio of high quality research publications.

In addition, knowledge and experience in the following areas would be desirable:

• Relevant research experience in modelling protoplanetary discs.
• Relevant research experience in astrophysical fluid dynamics.  
• Relevant research experience in the chemistry of the planet-forming environment.

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant within the salary range £43,003 - £46,297 per annum.

The position is open from April 2025; you would start by the Autumn of 2025 at the latest.

Applications can be made online via our website, by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

In the application form instead of a supporting statement please upload a research proposal less than three pages.

More information about the Department of Physics and the Astrophysics Group can be found on our webpages.

The Department of Physics is an IoP JUNO Practitioner and an Athena Silver SWAN Award winner reflecting our commitment to building a supportive, inclusive and highly motivated community.  The Department is committed to being a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone and has put in place a number of measures to promote a collaborative and stimulating culture. We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds. Individuals who identify as female and those who consider themselves as underrepresented are particularly encouraged to apply. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We therefore encourage candidates to apply irrespective of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender reassignment, sex or sexual orientation. Further information about how the College strives to create and support an equitable workplace can be found here.

Further details about the position are available from:

Dr James Owen james.owen@imperial.ac.uk

Should you have any queries about the application process please contact:

Louise Hayward, Section Administrator, l.hayward@imperial.ac.uk.

For technical issues when applying online please email support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk.