Research Associate in Radio Wave Investigations of the Space Environment

The NERC-funded RISER project will exploit the use of the LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) - the world's largest low-frequency radio-telescope - for characterising space weather conditions.  

One of the main aims of the RISER project is to study the scintillation of radio waves emitted from radio objects at various frequencies and to model the propagation problem by utilising LOFAR observations. This allows to understand how LOFAR could be utilised to infer the impact of space weather on applications.

You will study and model radio wave scintillation originating from large-to-small scale plasma density irregularities by utilising evidence from LOFAR observations. You will also study the use of LOFAR observations for the characterisation of space weather impact on systems and applications.

You will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment and to build their research profile in space weather science. They will be supported to travel to meetings and to share their research with the wider community as opportunities arise throughout the project.

This is a full-time position, fixed term from April 2024 to August 2028.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Dr Biagio Forte at [email protected] . Please ensure you submit your application through our website.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• A PhD in radio astronomy, GNSS, space physics, physics, space engineering, or any other area closely related to the project;
• familiarity with GNSS data;
• familiarity with ionospheric radio science (for example, radio wave propagation);
• ability to carry out research work and to disseminate results;
• ability to work in a team;
• passion and self-motivation.

The University of Bath is a research-intensive university with a physics/engineering Group in Space, Telecommunications and Atmospheric Research (STAR). STAR follows from the Centre for Space, Atmospheric and Oceanic Science (CSAOS), with activities in this area starting in 1998 at Bath. STAR Members have leading expertise in antennas and propagation, communication and navigation systems (including GNSS), ionospheric radio science, remote sensing, earth observation, signal processing, image processing and data assimilation.

What we can offer you:

Find out more about our benefits .

We consider ourselves to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award . We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on our teams. 

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We are constantly seeking to reduce the unconscious bias that enters any assessment process, with the goal of creating an inclusive and equal assessment process. To support this, personal details will be removed from application forms at the initial shortlisting stage.