Our Research

UK-Germany National Astronomy Meeting NAM2012

Job postings

A poster board will be available during the NAM 2012 conference for job advertisements; the adverts will also be made available on this page. There will also be possibilities to request a room to conduct interviews and/or informal talk with candidates. To advertise a position or book a meeting room, please email mgendre AT jb DOT man DOT ac DOT uk by Friday, March 23.


Faculty & Scientific positions

Professor of Astrophysics (2 posts).

LJMU Vacancy Ref: 144
The Astrophysics Research Institute of Liverpool John Moores University wishes to appoint astronomers with track records of world leading research achievements to lead and develop major research programmes at the Institute as part of a major strategic investment in Astrophysics as an area of excellence at LJMU. We particularly welcome those candidates with specialisms that match current areas of expertise and research strength. We anticipate the newly appointed Professors will participate in the appointment of the new Reader and Lecturer/Senior Lecturer posts in Astrophysics.

Salary will be in the range £57,766 - £93,695 per annum.

The Institute owns and operates as a UK National Facility the 2 metre robotic Liverpool Telescope, sited on La Palma in the Canary Islands, for which it leads instrumentation and software development and on which it has significant guaranteed time. Research interests of the ARI include studies in star formation, stellar evolution, time-domain astrophysics (particularly novae, supernovae, and gamma-ray bursts), galaxy formation and evolution, galaxy clusters, and we have formal partnerships with several major international projects including e-MERLIN, VISTA, Euclid, GALEX, WEAVE on the William Herschel Telescope, LOFAR and the LSST. The Institute runs innovative Distance Learning courses and a unique Joint Degree programme with the University of Liverpool. It is also engaged in major outreach activities principally through the National Schools' Observatory and the Spaceport astronomical visitor centre.

For informal initial discussions please contact the Institute Director, Professor Mike Bode, Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool JMU, Twelve Quays House, Egerton Wharf, Birkenhead CH41 1LD +44 (0) 151 231 2920, email: mfb@astro.livjm.ac.uk.

For further information and to apply online please visit our website: www.ljmu.ac.uk/academic-excellence [NB This goes live on Thursday 29th March 2012]. Note that a full CV, including publication list, together with a brief (500 word) statement of research plans, should be attached to your application.

Closing Date for applications: 30th April 2012

Alternatively contact the HR Department on +44 (0)151 904 6130 or 6131, email: jobs@ljmu.ac.uk

LJMU is committed to achieving equality of opportunity.




Reader in Astrophysics.

LJMU Vacancy Ref: 145

The Astrophysics Research Institute of Liverpool John Moores University wishes to appoint an astronomer with a track record of world leading research achievements as part of a major strategic investment in Astrophysics as an area of excellence at LJMU. We particularly welcome those candidates with specialisms that match our current areas of expertise and research strength.

Salary will be in the range £46,846 - £52,706 per annum.

The Institute owns and operates as a UK National Facility the 2 metre robotic Liverpool Telescope, sited on La Palma in the Canary Islands, for which it leads instrumentation and software development and on which it has significant guaranteed time. Research interests of the ARI include studies in star formation, stellar evolution, time-domain astrophysics (particularly novae, supernovae, and gamma-ray bursts), galaxy formation and evolution, galaxy clusters, and we have formal partnerships with several major international projects including e-MERLIN, VISTA, Euclid, GALEX, WEAVE on the William Herschel Telescope, LOFAR and the LSST. The Institute runs innovative Distance Learning courses and a unique Joint Degree programme with the University of Liverpool. It is also engaged in major outreach activities principally through the National Schools' Observatory and the Spaceport astronomical visitor centre.

For informal initial discussions please contact the Institute Director, Professor Mike Bode, Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool JMU, Twelve Quays House, Egerton Wharf, Birkenhead CH41 1LD +44 (0) 151 231 2920, email: mfb@astro.livjm.ac.uk.

For further information and to apply online please visit our website: www.ljmu.ac.uk/academic-excellence [NB This goes live on Thursday 29th March 2012]. Note that a full CV, including publication list, together with a brief (500 word) statement of research plans, should be attached to your application.

Closing Date for applications: 30th April 2012

Alternatively contact the HR Department on +44 (0)151 904 6130 or 6131, email: jobs@ljmu.ac.uk

LJMU is committed to achieving equality of opportunity.




Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Astrophysics (2 posts).

LJMU Vacancy Ref: 146

The Astrophysics Research Institute of Liverpool John Moores University seeks to appoint 2 lecturers to carry out internationally leading research contributing to one of the Institute's areas of excellence. Candidates should already have a PhD in astronomy or a related subject and be established independent researchers with excellent publication records. In addition to research, the successful candidates will be expected to contribute to at least one of the other areas of the Institute's activities, namely teaching, outreach or astronomical instrumentation.

Salary will be in the range £37,012 - £45,486 per annum

The Institute owns and operates as a UK National Facility the 2 metre robotic Liverpool Telescope, sited on La Palma in the Canary Islands, for which it leads instrumentation and software development and on which it has significant guaranteed time. Research interests of the ARI include studies in star formation, stellar evolution, time-domain astrophysics (particularly novae, supernovae, and gamma-ray bursts), galaxy formation and evolution, galaxy clusters, and we have formal partnerships with several major international projects including e-MERLIN, VISTA, Euclid, GALEX, WEAVE on the William Herschel Telescope, LOFAR and the LSST. The Institute runs innovative Distance Learning courses and a unique Joint Degree programme with the University of Liverpool. It is also engaged in major outreach activities principally through the National Schools' Observatory and the Spaceport astronomical visitor centre.

For informal initial discussions please contact the Institute Director, Professor Mike Bode, Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool JMU, Twelve Quays House, Egerton Wharf, Birkenhead CH41 1LD +44 (0) 151 231 2920, email: mfb@astro.livjm.ac.uk.

For further information and to apply online please visit our website: www.ljmu.ac.uk/academic-excellence [NB This goes live on Thursday 29th March 2012]. Note that a full CV, including publication list, together with a brief (500 word) statement of research plans, should be attached to your application.

Closing Date for applications: 30th April 2012

Alternatively contact the HR Department on +44 (0)151 904 6130 or 6131, email: jobs@ljmu.ac.uk




Liverpool Telescope: Astronomer-in-Charge.

LJMU Vacancy Ref: 147

As part of the University's major strategic investment in areas of excellence, the Astrophysics Research Institute of Liverpool John Moores University seeks to appoint an experienced observational astronomer to manage the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the Liverpool Telescope to ensure maximum scientific productivity of the facility. The appointee will also assist in the development of future enhancements to the telescope and its instruments and contribute to the realisation of future major projects, as well as making a significant contribution to the research work of the Institute at an internationally leading level.

Salary will be in the range £46,846 - £52,706.

The Institute owns and operates as a UK National Facility the 2 metre robotic Liverpool Telescope, sited on La Palma in the Canary Islands, for which it leads instrumentation and software development and on which it has significant guaranteed time. Research interests of the ARI include studies in star formation, stellar evolution, time-domain astrophysics (particularly novae, supernovae, and gamma-ray bursts), galaxy formation and evolution, galaxy clusters, and we have formal partnerships with several major international projects including e-MERLIN, VISTA, Euclid, GALEX, WEAVE on the William Herschel Telescope, LOFAR and the LSST. The Institute runs innovative Distance Learning courses and a unique Joint Degree programme with the University of Liverpool. It is also engaged in major outreach activities principally through the National Schools' Observatory and the Spaceport astronomical visitor centre.

For informal initial discussions please contact the LT Director, Professor Iain Steele, Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool JMU, Twelve Quays House, Egerton Wharf, Birkenhead CH41 1LD +44 (0) 151 231 2912, email: ias@astro.livjm.ac.uk.

For further information and to apply online please visit our website: www.ljmu.ac.uk/academic-excellence [NB This goes live on Thursday 29th March 2012]. Note that a full CV, including publication list, together with a brief (500 word) statement of research plans, should be attached to your application.

Closing Date for applications: 30th April 2012

Alternatively contact the HR Department on +44 (0)151 904 6130 or 6131, email: jobs@ljmu.ac.uk

LJMU is committed to achieving equality of opportunity.




LT2 Project Scientist.

LJMU Vacancy Ref: 198

As part of the Liverpool John Moores University's major strategic investment in areas of excellence, and following on from the success of the Liverpool Telescope (http://telescope.livjm.ac.uk/), the Astrophysics Research Institute of LJMU is undertaking a design study for "Liverpool Telescope 2". This new facility will aim to tackle the time domain astrophysics challenges of the 2nd Decade of the 21st Century, when projects such as LSST and SKA will be providing a flood of discoveries that will need to be classified and followed up in a timely fashion in order to realize their full potential. We seek a project scientist to work with the LT Director in developing the science case and requirements for the project and exploring different telescope and instrument concepts. In addition you will be expected to carry out a programme of research in time domain astrophysics. You should have (or be about to be awarded) a PhD in astronomy or astrophysics and good experience of optical and/or near-IR astronomical data reduction.

2 year fixed term

Salary £30,122 - £35,939

For informal initial discussions please contact the LT Director, Professor Iain Steele, Astrophysics Research Institute, Liverpool JMU, Twelve Quays House, Egerton Wharf, Birkenhead CH41 1LD +44 (0) 151 231 2920, email: ias@astro.livjm.ac.uk.

For further information and to apply online please visit our website: www.ljmu.ac.uk/academic-excellence [NB This goes live on Thursday 29th March 2012]. Note that a full CV, including publication list, together with a brief (500 word) statement of research plans, should be attached to your application.

Closing Date for applications: 30th April 2012

Alternatively contact the HR Department on +44 (0)151 904 6130 or 6131, email: jobs@ljmu.ac.uk

LJMU is committed to achieving equality of opportunity.




Postdoc positions

Postdoc positions in Solar Physics

The Max-Planck-Institute for Solar System Research, Katlenburg-Lindau/Göttingen in Germany is inviting applications for three postdoctoral positions within the Max Planck Princeton Research Center.

The successful applicants will participate in the institute theoretical and data analysis research in the following directions:
1.) Magnetic reconnection and its observational signatures in the solar atmosphere,
2.) The acceleration of supra-thermal particles,
3.) The role of magnetic fields in solar and astrophysical problems,
4.) Turbulence in solar plasmas.
A strong background in at least one of the following areas would be an advantage: solar physics, image processing, spectroscopic analysis or numerical MHD, ideally coupled with strong written and oral communication skills.

The successful candidates will initially be employed for two years, with a possibility of a one-year extension. They will be offered a tax-free stipendium according to the regulations of the Max-Planck Society.

The application should include a CV and full list of publications, a short (one-to-two page) letter containing a description of your strengths and qualification for the above described topics, a brief research plan, and the names of three scientists willing to provide letters of reference.

Applications will be considered starting 1 April 2012 until the positions are filled. Please send the application in electronic form to Johannes Stecker stecker(AT)mps.mpg.de noting Max Planck Princeton Research Center in the subject field. The detailed job offer is available at http://www.mps.mpg.de/en/aktuelles/jobs/




PhD positions

PhD position in Theory of Brown Dwarf and Planetary Atmospheres

The School of Physics & Astronomy of the University of St Andrews offers a PhD position in brown dwarf and planetary atmosphere theory on the topic of

Charge separation in turbulent explosive volcano plumes

We are looking for an excellent graduate student. The graduate student will be part of a newly forming research group LEAP (www.leap-2010.eu) that studies charge processes in planetary atmospheres and is funded by the European Research Council under the FP7 work program Ideas. The PhD student will benefit from the SUPA graduate school, the university's GradSkill program as well as from the lively atmosphere in the department.

The School of Physics & Astronomy of the University of St Andrews offers a young, vibrant and modern work environment with 40% of the astronomy staff members being women. The research in St Andrews combines theoretical, numerical and observational research in extrasolar planets, in protoplanetary disk, in star formation, in magnetic activity, and in star-planet interaction as well as in gravitational lensing and galaxy dynamics.

Applicants for this graduate position should have a degree in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, geophysics, or a closely related field. The graduate student will work under the supervision of Dr Christiane Helling funded by an ERC starting grant with funds for computing, publications, and travel.

For further enquiries, please contact Christiane Helling (Christiane.Helling@st-andrews.ac.uk).

Deadline: 30 March 2012

Candidates should send a CV and a brief statement of research interest (max. 1 A4 page) and arrange for two letters of reference.
PhD position in Theory of Brown Dwarf and Planetary Atmospheres
The electrification of neutral atmospheres

The School of Physics & Astronomy of the University of St Andrews offers a PhD position in brown dwarf and planetary atmosphere theory on the topic of

The link between planetary atmosphere and planetary magnetic field

We are looking for an excellent graduate student. The graduate student will be part of a newly forming research group LEAP (www.leap-2010.eu) that studies charge processes in planetary atmospheres and is funded by the European Research Council under the FP7 work program Ideas. The PhD student will benefit from the SUPA graduate school, the university's GradSkill program as well as from the lively atmosphere in the department.

The School of Physics & Astronomy of the University of St Andrews offers a young, vibrant and modern work environment with 40% of the astronomy staff members being women. The research in St Andrews combines theoretical, numerical and observational research in extra-solar planets, in protoplanetary disk, in star formation, in magnetic activity, and in star-planet interaction as well as in gravitational lensing and galaxy dynamics.

Applicants for this graduate position should have a degree in astronomy, astrophysics, applied mathematics, physics, geophysics, or a closely related field. The graduate student will work under the supervision of Dr Christiane Helling funded by an ERC starting grant with funds for computing, publications, and travel.

For further enquiries, please contact Christiane Helling (Christiane.Helling@st-andrews.ac.uk).

Deadline: 30 March 2012

Candidates should send a CV and a brief statement of research interest (max. 1 A4 page) and arrange for two letters of reference.
PhD position in Theory of Brown Dwarf and Planetary Atmospheres
The electrification of neutral atmospheres

The School of Physics & Astronomy of the University of St Andrews offers a PhD position in brown dwarf and planetary atmosphere theory on the topic of

Ionisation in atmospheres across the star-planet mass boundary

We are looking for an excellent graduate student. The graduate student will be part of a newly forming research group LEAP (www.leap-2010.eu) that studies charge processes in planetary atmospheres and is funded by the European Research Council under the FP7 work program Ideas. The PhD student will benefit from the SUPA graduate school, the university's GradSkill program as well as from the lively atmosphere in the department.

The School of Physics & Astronomy of the University of St Andrews offers a young, vibrant and modern work environment with 40% of the astronomy staff members being women. The research in St Andrews combines theoretical, numerical and observational research in extra-solar planets, in protoplanetary disk, in star formation, in magnetic activity, and in star-planet interaction as well as in gravitational lensing and galaxy dynamics.

Applicants for this graduate position should have a degree in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, geophysics, or a closely related field. The graduate student will work under the supervision of Dr Christiane Helling funded by an ERC starting grant with funds for computing, publications, and travel.

For further enquiries, please contact Christiane Helling (Christiane.Helling@st-andrews.ac.uk).

Deadline: 30 March 2012

Starting date: as soon as possible Candidates should send a CV and a brief statement of research interest (max. 1 A4 page) and arrange for two letters of reference.
PhD studentship in Magnetodynamics

Applications are invited for a full-time PhD studentship in the Division of Mathematics, University of Dundee. This fully funded studentship will be in the field of Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). Applicants must be UK citizens, or residents with EU citizenship. Depending on the interest of the student the project will involve mathematical and computational modelling of complex magnetic fields in astrophysics, with particular reference to magnetic fields in the solar corona.

The ideal candidate will have (or expect to gain) a good first or upper second class honours degree in mathematics or physics. Some knowledge of fluid dynamics and/or MHD and experience in numerics will be an advantage. The position is available to start at a mutually agreed date from September 2012.

The MHD group at Dundee presently consists of three permanent members of staff (Drs G. Hornig, D. Pontin and A. Wilmot-Smith), one STFC funded PDRA and one STFC funded PhD student. The group has access to a large parallel computing facility. Please see also our web page: http://www.maths.dundee.ac.uk/mhd/

For further information and details of how to apply please contact Dr Gunnar Hornig at gunnar@maths.dundee.ac.uk. To ensure that you are considered in the first selection round, please contact us by 13th of April 2012.