Student Summer Placement

About the Role

The QMUL School of Physical and Chemical Sciences/Astronomy Unit offers the opportunity for undergraduate students, both internal to QMUL 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 Space and Astrophysical Plasmas group of the Astronomy Unit falls under three main themes: particle acceleration by processes such as shockwaves; turbulence; and space weather, and each year we offer opportunities for students interested in these areas.

Each year, there will be events organised 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 (non-exhaustive) selection of projects:
   Comparing spacecraft observations of shockwaves across the Solar System from Sun to Uranus and beyond
   Identifying small-scale structures near shockwaves in spacecraft observations

About You

You will currently be studying for a degree in Physics and/or Astronomy. You will have Knowledge of one or more of the following areas: electrodynamics, fluid dynamics, plasma physics, data analysis, and/or coding relevant to the project, demonstrated by academic performance. You will be able to assist with conducting original research around the research programme. You will also be able to work successfully as part of a team, towards a shared vision.

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