Vacancy Type/Job category
Research Only
Department
Physics
Salary
£32,348 - £42,155 per annum
Location
University of Warwick, Coventry
Vacancy Overview
Fixed-term contract for 2 years with a possibility of an extension, 1.0 FTE. Part-time option.
The Department of Physics seeks to appoint a Research Fellow within Dr Farzana Meru's group focusing on protoplanetary discs (starting ASAP) for 2 years with a possible extension, subject to funding. Applications for a part-time position and from underrepresented minorities are particularly encouraged and welcome.
The successful candidate will work with Dr Farzana Meru on dust growth in self-gravitating discs. The post is primarily expected to involve numerical simulations, but where relevant, an observational connection will certainly be encouraged. The candidate will develop their own research ideas and will be encouraged to contribute to Dr Meru's wider research on planet formation and evolution.
Dr Meru's group is based in the University of Warwick's Astronomy & Astrophysics group – a leading institution for exoplanet and disc research, with 88 researchers including 16 faculty members working on exoplanets and discs. The group was recently donated £3.5m for PhD studentships and postdoctoral fellowships, attracting high quality international researchers and students. The exoplanet research is extremely active and the vibrant discs research group spans protoplanetary, debris, white dwarf and black hole discs.
The professional development of her group is of great importance to Dr Meru, including developing students and researchers to give their careers a step up. The candidate will have CV development opportunities e.g. supervising PhD/undergraduate research projects, and taking on responsibilities to positively enhance their development for their future goals.
The candidate will have an expertise in one or more of: protoplanetary discs, planet formation, dust growth, accretion disc physics, numerical simulations. Areas outside these are encouraged if they complement the project. Applicants should demonstrate a proven research track record. The candidate will be an excellent communicator (written and oral), capable of working effectively independently and in a team. The candidate will possess excellent planning and time management skills to ensure their research objectives are achieved effectively. The candidate will have a proven commitment to and/or lived experience of addressing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion issues in the workplace.
Candidates should submit a formal application with: (i) an up-to-date CV complete with publication list and metrics (max 2 pages plus publications list), (ii) a concise (max 2 pages) statement describing past research accomplishments, and relevant scientific and technical experience, (iii) an ANONYMOUS statement of future research plans along with how they link to the advertised post (max 2 pages), (iv) a statement about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (max 1 page). A cover letter is not needed. The future research plans must be written in a way where the reader cannot tell who is writing it, as this will be assessed blindly and purely on the merit of scientific ideas. See here for examples of how to write anonymous research proposals:
Guidelines for writing anonymous proposals under the dual-anonymous review process (DARP)
Dual-Anonymous Peer Review (DAPR)
For equity purposes, the panel will firstly assess the future research and EDI statements blindly. Please provide details of three referees (letters will only be requested if needed). All applications will be given equal consideration.
If you are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD but have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant at the top of level 5 of the University grade structure (£31,411). Upon receipt of evidence of the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of level 6 of the University grade structure (£32,348).
Please direct all informal inquiries about the role and the group's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion culture to Dr Farzana Meru ([email protected])
Interview Date: TBC
Job Description
JOB PURPOSE
Undertake research in order to support the work of the department and develop and enhance its reputation, both internally and externally. Work with project members in the successful execution of the project.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Research and scholarship
• Carry out research related to planet formation, planet evolution and protoplanetary disc evolution
• Conduct individual and collaborative research projects.
• Write up high quality research work for publication and present at conferences
• Translate knowledge of advances in the subject area into research activity.
• May contribute to preparing proposals and applications to external bodies, e.g. for funding and contractual purposes, to support a developing research agenda.
• Communicate complex information (orally and in writing) and material of a specialist or highly technical nature.
• Continually update own knowledge and understanding in field or specialism.
• Be an ambassador for the discs and exoplanets research being conducted at Warwick
• Be an active member of the Astronomy & Astrophysics research group at Warwick
Teaching and Learning Support
• Assist in the supervision of student projects and the development of student research skills.
Administration and Other Activities
• Ensure compliance with health and safety in all aspects of work and understand diversity and equal opportunity issues.
The duties and responsibilities outlined are not intended to be an exhaustive list but rather to provide guidance on the main aspects of the post. The post- holder will be required to be flexible in his or her duties.
Person Specification
The Person Specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications required to undertake the role effectively. This is measured by (a) Application Form, (b) Test/Exercise, (c) Interview, (d) Presentation.
Essential Criteria 1
Hold, or be about to attain, a PhD or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g. physics, mathematics). (a, c)
Essential Criteria 2
Proven ability in research and evidence of quality research output in relevant field. (a, c)
Essential Criteria 3
A developing research profile with the ability to publish and/or produce high quality research output. (a, c)
Essential Criteria 4
Sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge on the topic (areas included in Further Particulars), and of research methods & techniques to work within established research programmes. (a, c)
Essential Criteria 5
Ability to initiate, plan, implement and deliver programmes of research work to defined deadlines. (a, c)
Essential Criteria 6
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a research team. (a, c)
Essential Criteria 7
Excellent interpersonal and communication (written and oral) skills. (a, c)
Essential Criteria 8
A good understanding of and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, in particular how this may impact areas of research content. (a, c)
Desirable Criteria 1
Ability or potential to contribute to the development of funding proposals in order to generate external funding to support research projects. (a, c)
Further Particulars
Areas of study regarding Essential Criterion 4: protoplanetary discs, planet formation, dust growth, accretion discs, numerical simulations, other areas if they complement the project.
For further information about the University of Warwick, please read our University Further Particulars.
For further information about the department, please visit the departmental website.
Further information about Dr Farzana Meru's research can be found here.
Information on the discs research group can be found here.
Information on the exoplanet research can be found here.
Information on the Astronomy & Astrophysics group can be found here
As a member of staff at Warwick you can enjoy a wide range of competitive benefits, along with excellent learning and development opportunities. Take a look at the benefits that are on offer and information about working within our department.
The Physics Department and the University of Warwick are proud of their diverse community of staff, students, and visitors, and are committed to maintaining an excellent record in teaching and research by ensuring that there is equality of opportunity for all, fostered in an environment of mutual respect and dignity.
Both the Physics Department and the University of Warwick hold Athena SWAN Silver awards, a national initiative to promote gender equality for all staff and students. The Physics Department is also a Juno Champion, which is an award from the Institute of Physics to recognise our efforts to address the under-representation of women in university physics and to encourage better practice for both women and men.
Further information can be found at www. warwick.ac.uk/physics/staff/working/.
Childcare can be provided for you at the University of Warwick Nursery (www. warwick.ac.uk/services/childrensservices/nursery) in order for you to attend the interview. Childcare is subject to availability of places at the Nursery.
Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy
As an organisation using the (DBS) Disclosure and Barring Service to assess applicants' suitability for positions of trust, the University of Warwick complies with the DBS Code of Practice and undertakes not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a Disclosure on the basis of a conviction or other information revealed. More information is available on the University's Vacancy pages and applicants may request a copy of the DBS Code of Practice.
Closing Date
8 Mar 2023