Space and Atmospheric Group,
Department of Physics,
Imperial College London.

Salary: GBP33,860 – 42,830 per annum

Closing Date 1 February 2016

Fixed term 2 years commencing from 1 April 2016

Applications are invited for two Research Associate positions within the Space and Atmospheric Physics Group commencing from 1 April 2016. The successful applicant will work with Dr. Jonathan Eastwood or Prof. Steve Schwartz. The post holder will be expected to produce independent, original research in the area of space physics within the Space & Atmospheric Physics group, submit publications to refereed journals and help with teaching and administration of research activities. The post holders will be expected to support the Department’s teaching activities. The work specifically involves the analysis and interpretation of data related to kinetic processes in collisionless space plasmas. Some supporting theoretical/modelling work is likely. Primary targets include the study of magnetic reconnection and plasma shock physics with an emphasis on electron-scale phenomena. The work will exploit the Group’s involvement in major international space plasma satellite missions, notably NASA’s Magnetospheric Multi-scale Mission. The project would involve a high degree of teamwork and interdisciplinary research.
The successful candidate must have a PhD or equivalent level of professional qualifications and experience in the field of space plasma physics, or a closely related area. Expertise in at least one of the following is essential: collisionless plasmas, magnetic reconnection, shock physics, electron-scale plasma phenomena. Expertise in two or more of these areas is highly desirable. Experience in at least one of the following is essential: data analysis of in situ spacecraft plasma data; the analysis and interpretation of equivalent data from kinetic simulations. A record of achievement, including publications in a relevant research field, is essential.

You must have an enthusiastic approach to research with strong written communication skills and the ability to write scientifically, clearly and succinctly for publication. The successful candidate should also have strong verbal communication skills to deal with a wide range of people and to interact successfully with others to learn and teach new skills. A flexible attitude towards work and the willingness to cooperate as part of a team and be open-minded and cooperative is a must have, and the ability to develop and apply new concepts, techniques and methods, have a creative approach to problem solving and the ability to work independently and show initiative is also essential.

Committed to equality and valuing diversity. We are an Athena SWAN Silver Award winner and an IoP JUNO Champion, a Stonewall Diversity Champion, a Two Ticks Employer and are working in partnership with GIRES to promote respect for trans people.

For more information contact Jonathan Eastwood (jonathan.eastwood@imperial.ac.uk) or Steve Schwartz (s.schwartz@imperial.ac.uk). To apply, follow the link in the online advertisement at http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/AMQ813/research-associate-in-space-physics/