Salary:

The starting salary will be from £28,452 up to £32,958 per annum on Grade E, depending on qualifications and experience.

Astrophysics Group

Physics and Astronomy is a dynamic teaching and research centre based at the Streatham campus in Exeter. The department is housed within a large, dedicated building which has undergone a recent multi-million pound investment. Our research is organised into four strong, internationally competitive research groups: Electromagnetic and acoustic materials, Quantum systems and nanomaterials, Biomedical Physics and Astrophysics. 90% of our research is classified as world-leading or internationally excellent. We pride ourselves on providing an excellent student experience and are privileged to attract students and researchers of the highest calibre. We are ranked 10th in the UK for Physics & Astronomy in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017.

The astrophysics group at the University of Exeter invites applications for a postdoctoral research position (Postdoctoral Research Associate) to work on theoretical studies of low-mass stars, within the research group led by Prof. Sean Matt. The position is funded by an ERC grant (AWESoMeStars) and is available to start any time between March and October, 2017, for a duration of 36 months in the first instance, with the possibility of extension, depending on progress and funding considerations.

The broad goal of the project is to understand rotation and magnetic activity of solar-like and low-mass stars. In order to further this goal, and in collaboration with the PI, the successful applicant will create theoretical models for the evolution of angular momentum, magnetic activity, and environments of sun-like stars, and to compare with observations. We are thus particularly interested in applicants with a strong background in stellar evolution calculations that include rotation and magnetic activity and in comparing synthetic populations with large observational datasets.

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes and communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically. Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or near completion) and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.

Extensive supercomputing resources and substantial funding for computing equipment and travel will be available, and we will provide assistance with relocation costs where eligible.