ACAD108381

University of Bristol; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research position focused on detailed modelling of fractal aggregate aerosols relevant to exoplanet atmospheres. This full-time role offers a salary starting at £39,906 per annum and includes funding for national and international meetings. The successful candidate will work within a diverse astrophysics group and is expected to have experience with discrete dipole approximation methods and exoplanet cloud modelling. Opportunities for independent research will be available.

Benefits

Funding for national and international meetings

Diverse and friendly research environment

Qualifications

• Experience in discrete dipole approximation methods.
• Familiarity with the cloud code Virga.
• Strong background in astrophysics or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Work with discrete dipole approximation codes.
• Model aerosols in exoplanet atmospheres.
• Direct projects and pursue independent research aligned with program goals.

Skills

Discrete dipole approximation

Exoplanet cloud modelling codes

Spectroscopic data analysis

Education

PhD or equivalent

Job description

Applications are invited to a Postdoctoral Research position, working in the implementation of detailed modelling, using the discrete dipole approximation, on fractal aggregate aerosols with Dr Hannah Wakeford in the Astrophysics Group at the University of Bristol. The position is full‑time fixed funded for 6‑9 months through the Leverhulme Trust. Salaries start at £39,906 per annum, in addition there is funds for specific national and international meetings and workshops.

The successful candidate will sit in the astrophysics group which consists of ~40 researchers, students, and support staff. The group's research spans a range of observational, numerical, and theoretical topics from exoplanets to extra‑galactic cosmology. We are a diverse and friendly group and welcome candidates with experience with exoplanet cloud modelling codes an interest in the interpretation of exoplanet spectra.

Application Requirements

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Research statement (no more than 2 pages) detailing previous and current work and future plans
• Information for two referees who can speak directly to your research (not necessarily your PhD supervisor)

Responsibilities

The position will involve working with discrete dipole approximation codes to compute the needed input tables for the exoplanet cloud code Virga. The core goal of the funding program is to investigate the complex role of aerosols in exoplanet atmospheres. This role will work in the improvement of modelling methods to apply to spectroscopic data for planetary atmospheres. There will be freedom to direct projects and the opportunity to pursue your own research aligned with the overall goals of the advertised programme.

Qualifications

We encourage those with experience with both the implementation of the discrete dipole approximation and the cloud code Virga to apply. It is expected that the applicant will have a PhD (or that their viva/defence is already scheduled), or equivalent professional qualification/experience prior to starting the position.