The Jeremiah Horrocks Institute for Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is seeking to appoint two postdoctoral researchers to work within the Solar Physics Group, on the following projects:
REQ001609: Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Solar Physics.
This two-year position is to work with Prof Robert Walsh to undertake collaborative and individual research in Solar Physics in the area of activity and dynamics of the solar atmosphere. By analysing appropriate datasets from NASA SDO and HiC with complementary observations from the IRIS, Hinode and STEREO satellite missions, the successful applicant will work with UCLan and international colleagues (eg. NASA Marshall Space Flight Center) to help lay the groundwork for the scientific exploitation of data from a number of planned observing rocket programmes (including the HiC reflight and MAGIXS). This is complementary to the work stream in the new Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC) around space engineering.
The successful applicant will have research experience at PhD level or above (or thesis submitted before appointment) in an area relevant to Solar Physics. An ability to exploit solar observing data for scientific research is essential.
For informal enquiries please contact Prof Robert Walsh (Email: rwwalsh@uclan.ac.uk ; Tel. +44-1772-894282).
REQ001623: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Heliospheric Physics.
This is a three-year position, funded by the Leverhulme Trust, to work with Dr Silvia Dalla on modelling of Solar Energetic Particles for application to Space Weather forecasting. The project will focus on developing new test particle models of SEP propagation including an accurate description of the heliospheric magnetic fields, and on evaluating the radiation risk associated with SEPs. Collaboration with the Space Weather team at the UK Met Office is envisaged. The project will make use of the UCLan High Performance Computing facility.
Applicants must have research experience in a related field of physics at PhD level (or thesis submitted before appointment) or above. Skills in scientific computing in a relevant field (solar/heliospheric/solar-terrestrial physics, plasma physics or astrophysics) are essential.
For informal enquiries please contact Dr Silvia Dalla (Email: sdalla@uclan.ac.uk ; Tel. +44-1772-893527).
Information
For both positions the appointees may also be required to contribute to teaching or demonstrating for not more than six hours per week as well as participating in targeted public engagement projects.
For Position REQ001609, the successful applicant will be appointed at Grade F (starting salary £24,057) while for position REQ001623 he/she will be appointed at Grade G (starting salary £28,695). The successful candidate will receive the usual benefits for employees in the UK (pension contribution, annual leave, etc). Funds for computing resources and conference/collaboration travelling will also be provided.
The Jeremiah Horrocks Institute is comprised of nearly 30 academic staff members with a wide range of interests ranging from solar physics to stellar and extragalactic astrophysics. The Solar Physics group includes Prof Robert Walsh, Dr Silvia Dalla, Dr Danielle Bewsher and Dr Daniel Brown.
The Jeremiah Horrocks Institute is located on the University’s main campus, on a pleasant site in the centre of Preston, UK. Preston itself is nestled on the edge of the beautiful Ribble Valley and the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Lake District, Peak District, and Yorkshire Dales are all within an hour’s drive. Both Manchester and Liverpool are just 45 minutes away
Further information about the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute can be found at www.star.uclan.ac.uk
Applicants need to meet all essential criteria on the person specification to be considered for interview. Full job descriptions and person specifications are available at www.uclan.ac.uk/jobs.
Closing date for applications: 28th June 2015
Interviews will be held in late July 2015.
Please apply online via www.uclan.ac.uk/jobs or by contacting Human Resources on 01772 892324 quoting the reference number. CVs will not be considered unless accompanied by a completed application form.
Note that two separate links are available for the two positions within the UCLan job listings – make sure you click the ‘Apply online’ button for the correct one. If you wish to apply for both positions please apply for your preferred post and clearly state within the application that you wish to be considered for the other post too.