Research Assistant/Associate in Protoplanetary Discs (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance. The post is expected to start in October 2023.

An STFC funded postdoctoral position at the Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge to work within the Discsim group of Cathie Clarke, which focuses on simulations of dust and gas in protoplanetary discs and their comparison with observational data. The IoA offers a vibrant research environment for protoplanetary disc studies, with synergies with groups undertaking complementary research in debris discs and in protoplanetary disc theory being fostered within the interdepartmental Cambridge Exoplanet Research Centre (https://exoplanets.phy.cam.ac.uk/ ). The newly established Leverhulme Centre for Life in the Universe (https://www.lclu.cam.ac.uk ) provides further linkage to interdisciplinary work in this area.

For the present position, expertise in hydrodynamical/radiative transfer modeling and its application to interpretation of protoplanetary disc observations is particularly valuable. In addition to leadership of core projects in this area, applicants are encouraged to develop independent research programs.

The successful applicant will be expected to pursue independent and collaborative research, develop a high degree of interaction with the faculty, postdoctoral researchers and research students, and actively contribute to the life of the department. They will disseminate their research findings via publications or other appropriate media, such as international workshops and conferences. They will be encouraged to participate in the teaching and learning programmes of the department as well as in the supervision of postgraduate research students and outreach events.

A successful candidate who has not been awarded their PhD will be appointed at Grade 5, (Research Assistant - £27,929 to £32,348 per annum) and upon award, promoted to Grade 7, (Research Associate - £34,308 to £42,155 per annum)

The University of Cambridge thrives on the diversity of its staff and students. Applications from underrepresented groups are particularly welcome. The University has several family-friendly policies and initiatives, including a returning-carer scheme, childcare costs support, University workplace nurseries, University holiday play- schemes, and a shared parental-leave policy. As part of its commitment to providing a family-friendly environment for researchers, the Institute ensures that should parental leave be needed during the course of employment, there is provision for extension to contract to compensate for the parental leave taken.

Click the URL link below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

The closing date for applications is 23:59 GMT on Thursday, 15th December 2022. Please refer to further particulars for full instructions and be aware that referees will be asked to supply references by 22nd December 2022. If you have any queries about your application please contact (hr(at)ast.cam.ac.uk). Informal enquires may be addressed to Professor Cathie Clarke (cclarke(at)ast.cam.ac.uk)

Please quote reference LG34067 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.