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Research Associate in PLATO Benchmark Stars
| Posting date: | 22 May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £38,249.00 to £46,735.00 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 21 June 2025 |
| Location: | ST5 5BG |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 3 days per week |
| Company: | Keele University |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | KU00004647 |
Summary
This post represents an exciting opportunity to join Keele University’s Astrophysics Research Centre in the Faculty of Natural Sciences.
The successful candidate will work with Dr Pierre Maxted and colleagues within the Astrophysics Research Centre at Keele University, as part of an STFC-funded project to use advanced data analysis techniques to generate high-quality data for benchmark stars in eclipsing binary systems, and to use these data to calibrate stellar models that will be needed to accurately characterize planetary systems discovered by European Space Agency PLATO mission.
The Research Associate will i. lead the analysis of light curves, spectroscopy and photometry to create a library of high-quality stellar spectra for solar-type stars in detached eclipsing binary systems with precisely and directly measured masses, radii and effective temperatures; ii. assist with the management of an observing programme by citizen scientists to obtain multi-band photometry covering the eclipses of the sample of PLATO benchmark stars; iii. adapt existing artificial neural network emulation and hierarchical Bayesian methods to compare the predictions of stellar model grids to the observed properties of benchmark stars in eclipsing binary stars.
Applicants should either have (or expect to obtain) a PhD in astrophysics or related subject and have demonstrated an aptitude for research. A strong publication record (commensurate with career stage), excellent communication skills, and an experience of binary stars and/or asteroseismology will be important.
The Benefits
The University recognises that its success depends upon the contribution and dedication of its talented staff. In return, we have a competitive benefits package available, including:
• Competitive rate of pay with annual increments within the grade (Keele Spine)
• Generous annual leave entitlement with opportunities to purchase additional leave
• Excellent staff pension scheme
• Access to continued personal, professional and career development
• On site ‘outstanding’ nursery
• Discounted health & fitness facilities on site
• Cycle to work scheme (subject to eligibility)
Please note that the starting salary will typically be at the bottom of the pay scale shown above
The University is committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible.
The University
Keele University is renowned for its exciting approach to higher education, innovative research, beautiful campus, strong community spirit and excellent student experience. With a turnover in excess of £170 million, over 12,500 students and a total staff of approximately 2000, the University provides high quality teaching across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects and promotes world-class research. Further information can be found at https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/
Keele University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN charter, and values equality and diversity across our workforce. We strive to ensure that our workforce is representative of broader society, and therefore, we would actively welcome applications from women for this role.
Keele University values equality and diversity across our workforce and to ensuring our staff community is reflective of the diversity of our student population. In support of these commitments the University welcomes applications from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds for all roles.
Keele University employees wishing to apply should login to Employee Self Service and click on the 'View current vacancies' link.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Pierre Maxted (p.maxted@keele.ac.uk). Applications to this address will not be accepted.
The successful candidate will work with Dr Pierre Maxted and colleagues within the Astrophysics Research Centre at Keele University, as part of an STFC-funded project to use advanced data analysis techniques to generate high-quality data for benchmark stars in eclipsing binary systems, and to use these data to calibrate stellar models that will be needed to accurately characterize planetary systems discovered by European Space Agency PLATO mission.
The Research Associate will i. lead the analysis of light curves, spectroscopy and photometry to create a library of high-quality stellar spectra for solar-type stars in detached eclipsing binary systems with precisely and directly measured masses, radii and effective temperatures; ii. assist with the management of an observing programme by citizen scientists to obtain multi-band photometry covering the eclipses of the sample of PLATO benchmark stars; iii. adapt existing artificial neural network emulation and hierarchical Bayesian methods to compare the predictions of stellar model grids to the observed properties of benchmark stars in eclipsing binary stars.
Applicants should either have (or expect to obtain) a PhD in astrophysics or related subject and have demonstrated an aptitude for research. A strong publication record (commensurate with career stage), excellent communication skills, and an experience of binary stars and/or asteroseismology will be important.
The Benefits
The University recognises that its success depends upon the contribution and dedication of its talented staff. In return, we have a competitive benefits package available, including:
• Competitive rate of pay with annual increments within the grade (Keele Spine)
• Generous annual leave entitlement with opportunities to purchase additional leave
• Excellent staff pension scheme
• Access to continued personal, professional and career development
• On site ‘outstanding’ nursery
• Discounted health & fitness facilities on site
• Cycle to work scheme (subject to eligibility)
Please note that the starting salary will typically be at the bottom of the pay scale shown above
The University is committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible.
The University
Keele University is renowned for its exciting approach to higher education, innovative research, beautiful campus, strong community spirit and excellent student experience. With a turnover in excess of £170 million, over 12,500 students and a total staff of approximately 2000, the University provides high quality teaching across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects and promotes world-class research. Further information can be found at https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/
Keele University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN charter, and values equality and diversity across our workforce. We strive to ensure that our workforce is representative of broader society, and therefore, we would actively welcome applications from women for this role.
Keele University values equality and diversity across our workforce and to ensuring our staff community is reflective of the diversity of our student population. In support of these commitments the University welcomes applications from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds for all roles.
Keele University employees wishing to apply should login to Employee Self Service and click on the 'View current vacancies' link.
Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Pierre Maxted (p.maxted@keele.ac.uk). Applications to this address will not be accepted.
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