Research Associate

Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to STFC-funded project “Hybrid dynamo models of magnetic cycles in the solar convection zone” working with Professor Radostin Simitev (Principal Investigator), Dr David MacTaggart (Co-Investigator) and in collaboration with international partners at the New Jersey Institute of Techology, USA (Prof A Kosovichev), Aalto University, Finland (Prof M Korpi-Lagg) and Stanford University, USA (Prof T. Hoeksema, coffies.stanford.edu). The main goal of the project is to introduce certain kinematic elements into state-of-the-art global convection-driven dynamo models in order to capture observed features of the solar differential rotation, large scale-flows and magnetic cycles in supercomputer simulations.  In collaboration with the team, the successful applicant will be looking to address exciting open questions about the structure and maintenance of the solar rotation profile, the morphology of the cyclic magnetic field in the solar interior and the physical processes involved in their generation. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals, participate in public outreach activities, undertake visits to the international project partners, as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Radostin Simitev at

([email protected]).

Applicants are alerted to and encouraged to apply for the independent Job Vacancy 136388. The latter has similar applicant specification criteria. Interested applicants are requested to submit documents for both positions separately, but those that satisfy the essential criteria for both will be invited to a single interview.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.       Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually and in collaboration in accordance with the project deliverables and the project research strategy.

2.       Draft publications of research results for submission to in high profile/quality refereed journals in collaboration with investigators and project partners.

3.       Document research outputs including processing, analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records, databases and backups, drafting technical/progress reports as appropriate.

4.       Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of the research team, and the University of Glasgow, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

5.       Present work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

6.       Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & develop/implement a suitable research strategy

7.       Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

8.       Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with named project partners and with other colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners).

9.       Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the group, School and College.

10.    Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students.

11.    Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the project, including Budgets,  Expenditure, High-Performance Computing allocations and backups.

12.    Make a leading contribution to Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated administration as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with the Principal Investigator.

13.    Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

14.    Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

15.    Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School and the Principal Investigator.

16.    Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, WORLD CHANGERS TOGETHER.

Qualifications

Essential: 

A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) in Mathematics or Theoretical Physics or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential:

C1 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area of solar dynamo modelling and simulations, heliomagnetism and heliodynamics.

C2 Knowledge of modelling convection, turbulence and dynamos or related topics within magnetohydrodynamics.

C3 Proficiency in programming in one or more relevant programming languages (e.g. Fortran, C/C++, Python, etc.) and running large-scale numerical codes in supercomputing environments.

C4 Command of software and data carpentry for postprocessing, version control, and compute job scheduling and shell scripting.

C5 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postgraduate and post-doctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

Desirable:

D1 Knowledge of current observations of the structure of large-scale flows throughout the solar convection zone and the features of magnetic field at the solar surface.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

E2 A track record of publication and presentation of research results in quality journals/conferences.

E3 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.

E4 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.

E5 Experience in undertaking independent research.

E6 Experience in producing quality drafts of journal publications.

Closing date:  31 January 2024

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £39,347 - £44,263 per annum.

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 36 months.

Relocation Assistance will be provided where appropriate

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.