Research Associate in Exoplanets

Salary: As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 6, salary £35,116.

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to October 2025 

Background

The Sun, Stars and Exoplanets research group at the University of Birmingham invites inventive and talented individuals to apply for a postdoctoral research position for an ERC/UKRI funded project entitled “CandY: Circumbinary AND rockY” that starts on 01 November 2024 and finishes on 31 October 2029.

The successful applicant will work for six months, primarily with Prof. Amaury Triaud as part of the CandY project. We particularly welcome applicants with a proven track record of analysing precise radial velocities, accurate timings in eclipses and transits as well as experience in dealing with single epoch astrometric data such as those produced By Gaia. Experience with N-body integrators is also very welcome. Candidates will be asked to go on observing missions in France and possibly Chile.

Role Summary

The successful candidate will work as part of the BEBOP/CandY search for circumbinary exoplanets. The goal of the project is to discover and confirm circumbinary exoplanets. For this particular role, the applicant will primarily model radial-velocities, timings and astrometry to detect circumbinary planets.

• Work for the CandY project which aims to discover circumbinary exoplanets 
• Operate within an area of circumbinary exoplanet using the radial-velocities, eclipse & transiting timings, and astrometric detection methods
• Contribute to scientific publications about circumbinary exoplanets

Main Duties

• Collect radial-velocity data and eclipse & transit timings
• Analyse research data as directed including travel to remote observatories
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods, particular to have a full astrometric fitting code
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• MSc/MSci or equivalent in Physics and Astronomy
• Experience in research and observational experience in the methods of radial-velocity, eclipse and transit timings, and astrometry
• Ability to analyse data using robust Bayesian inference
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• 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 can be made to Amaury Triaud, email: a.triaud@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

Closes: 19/03/2025

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