Research Fellow in Theoretical Molecular Physics/Astrophysics

About us

UCL is one of the world's top universities based in the heart of London. It is a modern, outward-looking institution. UCL's staff and former students have included 32 Nobel prize winners. It is a truly international community: more than one-third of our student body – more than 35,000 strong – come from 150 countries and nearly one-third of staff are from outside the UK.

The ExoMol and TauREx teams at UCL are the world leaders in providing spectroscopic data and modelling tools for the characterisation of exoplanets and other atmospheres.

About the role

The STFC funded project “Extending ExoMol into the ultraviolet: Sulphur containing molecules” aims to expand the scope of the ExoMol database to studies of the temperature-dependent photoabsorption and photodissociation of molecules such water, H2S, SO2, SO and HS. This work will be based on the use of high accuracy electronic structure calculations and the use of variational nuclear motion programs to generate final result. The ExoMol teams at UCL are the world leaders in providing spectroscopic data and modelling tools for the characterisation of exoplanets and other atmospheres but so far have largely concentrated on process at infrared and visible wavelength. This project aims spearhead a major expansion to shorter wavelengths.

This position is funded for up to 3 years in the first instance and will start on 1st of July 2025 or soon afterwards.

Candidates will need to upload a CV (including a publication list), a statement of research experience and interests (1-2 pages maximum), and the contact information for two references. A cover letter should be included.

About you

The successful applicant will have a PhD in Physics, Chemistry or Astronomy or closely related subject. They should have a strong background in molecular quantum mechanics; some knowledge of molecular spectroscopy and good programming skills are desirable.

Candidates should also have excellent written and verbal communication.

Knowledge of python and/or Fortran is desirable as is an interest in working on problems related to astrophysics.

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be a Research Assistant Grade 6B (salary £38,607 - £41,255 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and women.

The Department has been awarded a Silver Athena Swan Award. Further information on Athena Swan is at: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/equality-areas/equality-charter-marks/athena-swan-ucl

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/

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