Research Fellow in Physics

Northumbria University; North East; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Associate in cometary physics. This three-year position involves original research, data analysis, and collaboration within a vibrant research environment. Candidates should hold a PhD in Astronomy and possess expert knowledge in cometary physics. The role offers opportunities for professional development and engagement in innovative research projects.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Generous holiday entitlement

Excellent pension schemes

Qualifications

• Demonstrable specialist expert knowledge in cometary physics required.
• Experience in international collaboration preferred.
• Ability to engage in original research.

Responsibilities

• Undertake original research in cometary physics.
• Write results for peer-reviewed journals.
• Engage with collaborators.

Skills

Data analysis

Collaboration

Research in cometary physics

Education

PhD in Astronomy

Job description

Job Description

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are excited to advertise a 3-year opportunity to join a large and vibrant research environment as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate in cometary physics at Northumbria University. You will be joining the cometary plasma physics group, which has a wide-ranging interest in data science and modelling, theory and observations of key phenomena in the cometary plasma environment.

Scientific topics of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Energy and momentum transfer in a plasma
• Observations of cometary tails and the coma using large and small telescopes
• Data analysis of remote observations of cometary tails
• Scientific support for ESA's Comet Interceptor mission

We welcome applications that cover any of these subjects and related topics. We will work with the successful candidate to develop mutually-agreed science goals and encourage all researchers to bring their own unique skillset to address these scientific aims. You will be supported to explore new methods beyond your current experience and develop your expertise in new techniques in space physics research.

This position is funded by UKRI as part of the COMMIT project. You will work with Dr. Charlotte Götz. The position is funded initially for three years, and there is potential for this post to be extended subject to further grant funding.

Further information can be found in the job description.

Please note that this is a fixed term position for 36 months.

ABOUT THE TEAM

This Research Project is being delivered within the Department of Mathematics, Physics and Electronic Engineering as part of the Solar and Space Physics Research Group. Our long-term research programme includes solar physics, the solar-terrestrial connection, space weather, planetary environments and cometary physics. Evidence of the group's success includes funding from STFC, NERC, Leverhulme Trust, Royal Astronomical Society, the US Air Force, and the UKSA. We host five independent research fellows, with support from STFC, NERC, the Royal Society and a UKRI Future Leader Fellowship. The group plays multiple roles in the UKRI SWIMMR (Space Weather Instrumentation, Measurement, Modelling and Risk) programme in support of the UK Met Office. Our Northumbria Space Technology Laboratory provides new opportunities to work with industry in the space sector.

Further details about the research group can be found here:

https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/academic-departments/mathematics-physics-and-electrical-engineering/research/solar-and-space-physics/

ABOUT YOU

The post-holder will:

• undertake original research in the field of cometary physics
• write up results for peer-reviewed journals
• engage constructively with national and international collaborators
• explore new scientific opportunities
• participate in wider research group activities, where appropriate
• be encouraged to contribute towards the planning of future funding proposals
• be supported to undertake travel to national and/or international meetings where beneficial to the post-holder and their research

Please note applicants should hold a PhD in Astronomy and have demonstrable specialist expert knowledge in cometary physics.

Further information about the requirements of the role is available in the person specification.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact [e-mail].

To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply Now'. Your application should include a covering letter and a CV.

We welcome applications from the UK and across the world. Visit our web pages for details about Relocation Assistance.

ABOUT US

Join Northumbria University, a research-intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in 2025, we rank top 25 in the UK for research power. Discover more about us.

With over 37,000 students from 140+ countries, we offer world-leading research, award-winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We empower our exceptional staff, promoting a positive work-life balance and offering great benefits, including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement and more.

Our Northumbria Values, co-created by our team, define who we are: Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition. Our Behaviours shape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold.

Located in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on-campus organisation with flexibility in hours and location. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusivity, holding numerous awards for gender and race equality, disability confidence, and research excellence. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers. The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process.

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