Research Associate in ALMA Studies of Supernovae 1987A

Advert

Please note this vacancy will close early due to sufficient applications being received

Research Associate in ALMA Studies of Supernovae 1987A
Cardiff School of Physics and Astronomy

The research group of Dr. Mikako Matsuura at Cardiff University is seeking applications to fill the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate. 

The research associate will study Supernova 1987A, specifically, chemistry of molecule and dust formation in supernovae, the dynamical motion of gas triggered by supernova explosion, dust destruction by supernova shocks, and potentially a neutron star left behind the supernova explosion. The appointed individual will join the international teams, investigating Supernova 1987A, using interferometric data from the Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array (ALMA), the Very Large Telescope and potentially the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

We are seeking a researcher with an excellent track record in one or more of the aforementioned fields.

The research associate will become a part of the active and diverse Cardiff Hub for Astrophysics Research and Technology (CHART) at Cardiff University (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/physics-astronomy/research/research-groups/chart).  Other members of the astronomy and instrumentation groups play leading roles in modelling and detecting gravitational waves, galaxy evolution, transient phenomena, the cosmic microwave background, exoplanets, star formation, and building the next generation ground and space based telescopes. 

This position has an initial duration of three years. The funding is available from 1st April 2022, but the starting date is negotiable.

This position is full time (35 hours per week) and is fixed term for 3 years.

Job Reference: 13323BR

Salary  £34,304 - £40,927 per annum (Grade 6). 

For informal enquiries about the post please contact:

Informal enquiries about the role can be made by email to Dr. Mikako Matsuura ([email protected]). or Phil Treadgold ([email protected]) 

For informal enquiries about working at Cardiff School of Physics and Astronomy please contact
Informal enquiries about working at Cardiff University can be made to [email protected].

Date advert posted: Friday, 7 January 2022

Closing date:  Wednesday, 16 February 2022

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University and the School of Physics and Astronomy are committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity. Our inclusive environment welcomes applications from talented people from diverse backgrounds. We strongly welcome female applicants and those from any ethnic minority group, as they are underrepresented in our School. The School of Physics & Astronomy has a Juno Practitioner accreditation that recognises good employment practice and a commitment to develop the careers of women working in science. The University is committed to ensuring that we sustain a positive working environment for all staff to flourish and achieve. As part of this commitment, the University has developed a flexible and responsive framework of procedures to support staff in managing their work and personal commitments wherever possible. Applications are welcome from individuals who wish to work part-time or full time. 

“Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/research/our-research-environment/integrity-and-ethics/responsible-research-assessment”

Job Description

Main function

⦁    Conduct research on Supernova 1987A, by investigating chemistry of molecule and dust formation, dynamical motion tracing supernova explosion mechanisms, dust destruction by blast waves, and potentially neutron stars
⦁    Contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publications of work in high-quality journals. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

Research 
⦁    To conduct research within the group of Dr. Mikako Matsuura, providing expertise on the analysis and modelling of molecular and dust emission from Supernova 1987A. That will investigate chemistry of molecular and dust formation in supernovae, tracking the dynamical motion of gas, revealing mechanisms of supernova explosion, dust destruction by supernova blast waves, and potentially unveiling a neutron star.
⦁    Contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in international and national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
⦁    To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research group, including research funding proposals
⦁    To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at local and national levels
⦁    To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
⦁    To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
⦁    To participate in School research activities.
⦁    To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions,   explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

Other
⦁    To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
⦁    To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
⦁    To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
⦁    Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education
1.    Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2.    An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
i.    Studies of supernovae and supernova remnants, or close research fields (e.g. interstellar medium)
ii.    Interpretation and analysis of observation data of molecules and dust
iii.    Experience in molecular and dust chemistry and/or modelling dust destructions in shocked gas
iv.    Experience in reducing and analysing data from the Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array (ALMA), or other similar interferometers and/or infrared imagers and spectrometers.

3.    Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field

4.    Proven ability to publish in national/international journals national/international conferences and/or other research outputs.

5.    Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies 

Communication and Team Working
6.    Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication

7.    Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

Other
8.    Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work

9.    Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria

1.    Good computational skills (python and/or IDL) with knowledge of Linux/UNIX

2.    Experience in outreach or teaching

Job Category

Academic - Research