The Jeremiah Horrocks Institute for Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is seeking to appoint a Research Associate to work within the Solar Physics Group. This is a 16-month position, funded by the Leverhulme Trust, to work with Dr Silvia Dalla on modelling of Solar Energetic Particles (SEPs) for application to Space Weather forecasting. The project will focus on improving test particle models to produce SEP forecasts and evaluating the associated radiation risk. Collaboration with the Space Weather team at the UK Met Office is envisaged. It is expected that further funding will be applied for to extend the project.
The appointee will 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.
A BSc (Hons) in Physics or in a related field is essential and applicants must also have research experience in a related field of physics at PhD level (or thesis submitted before appointment) or above and have publications in recognised peer-reviewed journals. Skills in scientific computing (e.g. C, C++, FORTRAN, IDL) in a UNIX/Linux environment are essential as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Applicants must have the ability to work to deadlines and demonstrate a professional approach to duties.
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.
The successful applicant will be appointed at Grade G (starting salary GBP 29301) and will receive the usual benefits for employees in the UK (pension contribution, annual leave, etc). Funds for conference/collaboration travelling will also be provided.
For informal enquiries please contact Dr Silvia Dalla (Email: sdalla@uclan.ac.uk ; Tel. +44-1772-893527).
Applicants need to meet all essential criteria on the person specification to be considered for interview. This position is based in Preston.
Job reference: REQ002975
Salary: Grade G (£29301-33943)
Closing date: 13/08/2017
Interviews will take place on 31/08/2017 (to be confirmed).
Please apply online via www.uclan.ac.uk/jobs if you cannot apply online, please contact Human Resources on 01772 892324 and quoting the reference number. CVs will not be considered unless accompanied by a completed application form.