Research Fellow x3 (104159/104160/104161 - 0721)

Vacancy Type/Job category
Research Only
Department
Physics
Sub Department
Astronomy & Astrophysics Group
Salary
£30,395-£39,609 per annum
Location
University of Warwick - Coventry
Vacancy Overview
Fixed Term Contract - October 2021 for 3 years
36.5 hours per week
The Department of Physics seeks to appoint three Research Fellows to work with Prof. Boris Gaensicke within the area of evolved planetary systems. The team will jointly work on the spectroscopic identification of white dwarfs accreting planetary debris, measuring the bulk abundances of the disrupted parent bodies, maintain an existing model atmosphere code, and investigate the short- and long-term variability of evolved planetary systems, including the search for transits from debris and planets. The team is involved in SDSS-V, DESI, WEAVE and ZTF-II, with immediate access to the spectroscopic and photometry data that these surveys deliver. The Research Fellows will actively participate in these surveys, and will also have the opportunity to co-supervise postgraduate and undergraduate research students.
These 3-year positions are funded by the ERC, STFC and Leverhulme Trust, and are available from Oct 1st 2021, or soon thereafter.
The candidates must hold, or be about to obtain, a doctoral degree in astrophysics or a related field. Expertise in one or several of the following areas is desirable: model atmosphere analysis, large-scale astronomical survey planning and operations, database development, analysis of time-series photometry containing irregular signals.
An application form must be completed if you wish to be considered for this post. Applicants should also submit a cover letter with a concise description of their research accomplishments and relevant technical experience, as well as a CV including a full publication list. You will be asked to give references, but reference letters are not needed before the closing date.
If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant on level 5 of the University grade structure. Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure.
Please direct all informal inquiries to Prof. Boris Gaensicke ([email protected] )
Interview Date - TBC
Job Description
JOB PURPOSE
To undertake research and provide operational support for SDSS-V, DESI, WEAVE, and ZTF-II.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES
Research and scholarship
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects within the area of evolved planetary systems, in support of the projects funded by the ERC, STFC, and Leverhulme Trust.
• To contribute to the planning and operations of the SDSS-V, DESI, WEAVE and ZTF-II surveys. Examples of such activities are software development, data quality control, data classification and analysis tools, data base development, and remote observing.
• Maintain an existing white dwarf model atmosphere code, contribute to the development of a modern user interface and its documentation, and eventually to an open source release.
• To write research papers and technical reports for distribution and publication.
• Contribute to, and where applicable lead, proposals and applications to external bodies, for telescope time and funding, to support the research agenda of the team.
• Continually update own knowledge and understanding in field or specialism.
Administration and Other Activities
• May be required to attend consortium and oversight committee meetings and to participate in other working groups or committees within the consortium.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety in all aspects of work.
• Contribute to the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research students working within this research area.
The duties and responsibilities outlined are not intended to be an exhaustive list but rather to provide guidance on the main aspects of the post. The post-holder will be required to be flexible in his or her duties.

Person Specification

The Person Specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effectively. This is measured by (a) Application Form, (b) Test/Exercise, (c) Interview, (d) Presentation.

Essential Criteria 1
Hold, or be about to attain, a PhD or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. astronomy, physics, mathematics, computer science) (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 2
Proven ability in research and evidence of quality research output in relevant field commensurate with experience. (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 3
A developing research profile with the ability to publish high quality research outputs. (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 4
Sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 5
Ability to implement and deliver programmes of research work to defined deadlines (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 6
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a research team (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 7
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (a) (c)
Essential Criteria 8
Programming experience (e.g. Python, Fortran, IDL or C++) (a) (c)
Desirable Criteria 1
Experience in planning and executing large-scale surveys. Experience in time-series analysis of irregularly variable objects (a) (c)
Desirable Criteria 2
Track record in the development of successful telescope or funding proposals. (a) (c)
Desirable Criteria 3
Experience with data analysis software development. (a) (c)
Desirable Criteria 4
Prior research in the area of evolved planetary systems, in particular experience in model atmosphere analyses of optical or ultraviolet spectroscopy of white dwarf (a) (c)
Desirable Criteria 5
An understanding of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion issues as they may impact on research content, outputs and practice. (a) (c)
Further Particulars
For further information about the University of Warwick, please read our University Further Particulars .
For further information about the department, please visit the departmental website .
The Astronomy and Astrophysics Group
For further information about the Astronomy and Astrophysics Group, please visit our website at:
astro.warwick.ac.uk
Transient and time-domain research at Warwick includes studies of explosive transients and their host galaxies, synoptic surveys, multi-wavelength follow-up and compact binaries. Of particular interest are electromagnetic follow-up of gravitational wave sources, gamma-ray bursts and supernovae.
Warwick operates a number of robotic telescope facilities, and substantial recent investment has led to construction of the Warwick-led Gravitational Wave Optical Transient Observer (GOTO), an array of wide-field telescopes operating on La Palma, and in the near future, Australia. Complementary research within the astrophysics group includes both theoretical and observational study of interacting binaries, galaxy evolution, stellar population synthesis, compact objects and exoplanetary systems.
The Physics Department and the University of Warwick are proud of their diverse community of staff, students, and visitors, and are committed to maintaining an excellent record in teaching and research by ensuring that there is equality of opportunity for all, fostered in an environment of mutual respect and dignity.
Both the Physics Department and the University of Warwick hold Athena SWAN Silver awards, a national initiative to promote gender equality for all staff and students. The Physics Department is also a Juno Champion, which is an award from the Institute of Physics to recognise our efforts to address the under-representation of women in university physics and to encourage better practice for both women and men.
Further information can be found at www.warwick.ac.uk/physics/staff/working/.
The University supports flexible working and requests for job-share will be considered where possible.
Childcare can be provided for you at the University of Warwick Nursery (www.warwick.ac.uk/services/childrensservices/nursery) in order for you to attend the interview. Childcare is subject to availability of places at the Nursery.

Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy

As an organisation using the (DBS) Disclosure and Barring Service to assess applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, the University of Warwick complies with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed. More information is available on the University’s Vacancy pages and applicants may request a copy of the DBS Code of Practice.

Other Information
Right to work in the UK
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/ or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK points-based immigration system please click on this link which contains further information about obtaining right to work in the UK and details about eligibility for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa.
The University of Warwick provides an inclusive working and learning environment, recognising and respecting every individual’s differences. We welcome applications from individuals who identify with any of the protected characteristics defined by the Equality Act 2010.
Closing Date
31 Aug 2021