Job Description

Position Details

School of Physics and Astronomy


Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK


Full time starting salary is normally in the range 36,130 to 45,413 with potential progression once in post to 48,149


Grade: 7


Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to June 2028


Closing date: 20th July 2025


UK and International travel may be required for this role.

Background

Applications are invited to join the Sun, Stars and Exoplanets Research Group in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham, as part of a growing and dynamic team working on exoplanets and their atmospheres. The position is for an STFC-funded project entitled "Giant Exoplanets in 3D with JWST Emission Spectroscopy".


The successful applicant will work primarily with Dr Anjali Piette and Dr Guy Davies. We particularly welcome applicants with expertise related to atmospheric modelling, eclipse mapping and/or interpreting exoplanet atmosphere observations.


The appointment will be for a fixed term up to end of June 2028, ideally starting in September 2025. The position comes with an allowance to cover international travel and computing.

Role Summary

We are seeking to appoint an STFC-funded postdoctoral researcher to develop new inverse modelling ('retrieval') methods to extract 3D information from JWST secondary eclipse observations. The models will be applied to JWST observations of giant transiting exoplanets. The successful applicant should have expertise in atmospheric modelling, eclipse mapping and/or interpreting exoplanet atmosphere observations. The work will include:


Working within an STFC small award grant entitled "Giant Exoplanets in 3D with JWST Emission Spectroscopy" Operating within the area of specialism, i.e. exoplanet atmospheres including modelling and the interpretation of spectroscopic observations Analysing and interpreting research findings and results Publishing results and presenting them at conferences
Role requirements include:


PhD in astrophysics/astronomy Expertise in the interpretation of astronomical data Track record in exoplanet atmospheres Experience in atmospheric modelling would be beneficial

Environment

The School of Physics and Astronomy is a world-leading physics department, excelling in both research and teaching. Our physics research was recently ranked top in the UK for 4-star-category research, and 4th by GPA, by the Research Excellence Framework 2021. The 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Professor Mike Kosterlitz and Professor David Thouless jointly for their work into the discoveries of the properties of matter, work which started when they were at Birmingham together. The 2017 Nobel Prize was awarded for the detection of gravitational waves, in which Birmingham staff played a key role. The School is an excellent environment for an upcoming academic.


The School's research portfolio is wide-ranging, and covers three principal themes: Quantum Matter; Particle and Nuclear Physics; and Astronomy and Experimental Gravity. It has over 120 academic and research staff together with 120 graduate students with around 50 technical and clerical support staff.


The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of the Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School's commitment to promote diversity and equality, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all students and staff can achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, but applications from traditionally under-represented groups in physics and astronomy are particularly encouraged. We are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.


Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required Contribute to writing bids for research funding Analyse and interpret data Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods Undertake management/administration arising from research Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines Promote equality, value diversity, acting as a role model, and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

PHD (or near to completion) degree in Physics and/or Astrophysics, and experience with interpretation of astronomical data High level analytical capability Ability to communicate complex information clearly Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly Evidence of multiple peer-reviewed scientific publications, with preference to publications in the field of Exoplanets Expertise related to interpreting exoplanet atmosphere observations, atmospheric modelling and/or eclipse mapping is desirable

Application process

Applications should include the following as a

single pdf file : a cover letter (max 1 page), a CV (max 2 pages), a list of publications (as long as necessary), a two-page statement describing your research interests and plans, and what expertise and skills you bring to the project as well as to the wider research group. Applicants should also provide contact details for 3 referees, who will be contacted after shortlisting.


Please note the form will ask you to specify your reasons for applying. You should just point to your uploaded document.


All applications received by 23:59 (UK time) on Friday 18th July 2025 will receive full consideration. We anticipate interviews to take place on one day during the period of Monday 28 th July - Friday 8 th August 2025.



Informal enquiries to Anjali Piette, email: a.a.a.piette@bham.ac.uk

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone

on our website

.