Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Space Plasma Physics
School of Physics & Astronomy, Queen Mary University of London
Appointment period: 2 years (with possibility for extension subject to further funding)
Application closing date: 20th August 2021
Contact for informal enquiries: Dr Christopher Chen (christopher.chen@qmul.ac.uk)
Link to job profile and application form: https://webapps2.is.qmul.ac.uk/jobs/job.action?jobID=5986
About the Role
This is a postdoctoral position to work on the project “Plasma Dynamics of the Inner Heliosphere” funded by an STFC Consolidated Grant. The project involves the use of Parker Solar Probe, Solar Orbiter and other spacecraft data to study turbulence and related plasma processes near the Sun – how they operate and the role they play, and involves comparison with theory and numerical simulations. There is also scope for the postdoctoral researcher to develop their own related research interests.
About You
The successful candidate will have a PhD in Space Plasma Physics or a closely related subject, or equivalent research experience. They will have the skills and abilities to conduct high-quality innovative research and to successfully disseminate this to the international community. They will be highly motivated and able to demonstrate initiative, as well as a commitment to research, academic life, and ethical working. Desirable qualities include experience in spacecraft data analysis, plasma theory, and/or numerical simulations.
About the School
The School of Physics and Astronomy hosts world-class research centres across a range of areas in modern physics: Astronomy, Experimental Particle Physics, Theoretical Physics, and Condensed Matter & Materials Science. The school has 53 academic staff, 45 research staff, 85 PhD students, and runs successful undergraduate/postgraduate teaching programmes with ~400 students. The school recently underwent a £12M refurbishment to provide state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities. The Space & Astrophysical Plasmas group has a history of high-quality research going back to the pioneering work of Vincenzo Ferraro in the 1950s and is part of the Astronomy Unit, which also hosts leading research groups in Cosmology and Planetary Physics, with its members taking leading roles in major international projects.