Student Summer Placement

About the Role

The Astronomy Unit offers the opportunity for undergraduate students, both internal and external (from other universities), to join our research groups over the summer to take part in, and contribute to, the research being done by the different groups.

Research in the AU falls under three main themes: Cosmology & Relativity, Extrasolar Planets & Planet Formation, and Space & Astrophysical Plasmas, and each year we offer opportunities for students interested in these areas.

Each year, there will be events organized for the cohort of internship students to meet each other, interact, learn about each other's projects, and experience what working on cutting-edge research topics in a leading research group is like.

A selection of possible projects:

• Using the Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter spacecraft to study the newly explored near-Sun plasma environment
• Using the Voyager spacecraft to explore new regions of the interstellar plasma of the galaxy
• Understanding space/astrophysical processes through laboratory plasma experiments
• Studying the role and predictability of fundamental plasma processes in space weather

About You

You will currently be studying for a degree in Physics and/or Astronomy. You will have knowledge of areas of Physics/Astronomy relevant to the project, demonstrated by academic performance. You will be able to assist with conducting original research in the research programme. You will be motivated, demonstrate initiative, collaborate successfully towards team goals, and show commitment to ethical working.

How to Apply

Please prepare a single PDF document containing the following:

1.    CV (detailing your academic achievements/experience and any other relevant expertise)
2.    Grade transcript(s).
3.    A statement of interests (include which project/s you are interested in).

Please upload this to the “CV” section of the online form.

About the Department

The Department of Physics and Astronomy hosts world-class research centres across a range of areas in modern physics: Astronomy, Experimental Particle Physics, Theoretical Physics, and Condensed Matter & Materials Science. The Space & Astrophysical Plasmas group is part of the AU, which also hosts leading groups in Cosmology and Planetary Physics, and has a long history of high-quality research, taking major roles in many large international projects.

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, and campus facilities.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

Closing Date: 27/03/2025, 23:55 

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