Research Fellow in Exoplanet Characterisation

at  University College London

ABOUT US

Mullard Space Science Labratory is located on its own campus in the beautiful Surrey Hills. With approximately 90 research active staff and students, and a total staff of 150, we believe that MSSL is the UK’s largest university space research group. We have the unique capability of designing, building and testing instruments and other spacecraft systems on site. Our research scientists and development engineers work together to ensure the scientific capability of the instruments we produce.
UCL was one of the first universities in the world to become involved in making scientific observations in space. Since the Department was established in 1966, we have participated in over 71 satellite missions with the European Space Agency, NASA (US), Japan, Russia, China and India, and flown over 230 rocket experiments. At present, 6 instruments which MSSL helped build are in operation on 5 Astrophysics missions, namely XMM-Newton, INTEGRAL, Swift, Gaia and Euclid.
The Department is family friendly and applications would be welcome from applicants seeking flexible working hours. The Department was awarded the status of Institute of Physics Juno Practitioner and has participated in the Pilot programme for the Insititute of Physics’ new inclusion model that will replace Juno. The aim of Project Juno is to recognise and reward physics departments, schools, institutes and organisations that can demonstrate they have taken action to address gender equality in physics and to encourage better practice for all staff. As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s academic talent, from local to global. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.

ABOUT YOU

We encourage applications from individuals who have or are about to receive a PhD in astronomy, physics, astrophysics, mathematics, computer science, or a closely related discipline. You should be able to show proven ability in research and evidence of quality research output in relevant field, demonstrating ability to produce and publish high quality research output. Experience with characterisation of transiting exoplanets and the characterisation of planet host stars using asteroseismology or other tools is essential.
Please see the job description for more information.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The Department has been awarded the status of Institute of Physics Juno Practitioner. The aim of Project Juno is to recognise and reward physics departments, schools, institutes and organisations that can demonstrate they have taken action to address gender equality in physics and to encourage better practice for all staff. A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Department of Space and Climate Physics at University College London (UCL) seeks to appoint a motivated Research Fellow. The appointment will be for six months to work in the research group led by Dr. Vincent Van Eylen, Associate Professor in Exoplanets. Part-time applications will be considered. The starting date is expected to be 1 April 2025.
The successful candidate will be expected to conduct exciting research related to “understanding planets through their host stars”, a project funded by the UK’s Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). They will address major open questions, such as what happens to exoplanet systems as their host stars evolve off the main sequence and become sub-giant and red giant stars, and seek to understand the evolution of planetary systems over time.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-site outdoor swimming pool
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more