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Faculty of Science
Information for applicants
Post title: Postdoctoral Research Fellow Fixed Term Contract: (for up to 3 years) Salary: £25,633 - £30,607 Grade: Academic Grade 2 Post references: 2833 Closing date: 3rd August 2006 Interview date: 29th August 2006
Information included in this pack:
Section: 1.0 The post 1.1 Post details 1.2 Job descriptions 1.3 Person specifications
2.0 Applying for the post 2.1 How to apply 2.2 Application information
3.0 Faculty information 3.1 Faculty of Science 3.2 Department of Physics and Astronomy 3.3 The University
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Section 1.1: POST DETAILS
Post title: Postdoctoral Research Fellow Reports to: Dr Stephen Serjeant Unit and/or team: Faculty of Science, Department of Physics and Astronomy Salary details: £25,633 - £30,607 Location: Walton Hall, Milton Keynes Working hours: Full-time Contract type: 2 year post with a possible 1 year extension
D:\Docs\2018-04-18\01d93734524b18f61bad28e18b3bd35c.doc 2/12 11/05/2018 11/05/2018 Section 1.2: JOB DESCRIPTION Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Physics and Astronomy
Overall job purpose
This two year appointment, with a possible one year extension, is to study the properties of star-forming galaxies using guaranteed time on the recently launched AKARI (ASTRO-F) space telescope, and one or more of the SCUBA-2 Legacy Surveys. This post is funded by the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council.
The successful applicant will make strong contributions to research in the department, and contribute to the OU’s submission to the 2008 Research Assessment exercise.
Main duties
The appointee will be expected to:
have and maintain a independent research profile in astrophysics, in collaboration with Dr Stephen Serjeant and others, including: o determining the bright sub-millimetre extragalactic source counts by developing pipeline software for the SCUBA-2 All-Sky Survey, o identifying high-redshift ultraluminous infrared galaxies by developing software for AKARI data analysis and catalogue cross-correlation, o making competitive bids for telescope time on international facilities, and o maintaining a good publication rate in high-impact journals; participate in the SCUBA-2 All-Sky Survey as Pipeline Manager and Archive Contact, ensuring the timely delivery of point source catalogues to the consortium for the former, and liaising with the Joint Astronomy Centre, Hawaii for the latter; collaborate with other members of the Astrophysics group; collaborate with other research groups in the OU and beyond; promote the work of the department by public outreach/PUS activities.
The successful candidate will be appointed to the Department of Physics and Astronomy and will be expected to make an effective contribution to that academic community.
Job Description
This proposal seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to support our Guaranteed Time access to data from the Japanese led AKARI infrared satellite mission, and to support our activities in the SCUBA-2 legacy surveys. The Postdoctoral Researcher will principally, though not necessarily exclusively, work with the SCUBA-2 All Sky Survey and AKARI.
SCUBA-2 is a sub-millimetre-wave camera being built for the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) in Hawaii, and due to start operations in the second half of 2007. At least half the SCUBA-2 time will be spent conducting Legacy Surveys. The SCUBA-2 All-Sky Survey (SASSy) is one of the largest Legacy Surveys to be conducted on the JCMT, and will map most of the sky visible to the JCMT to an 850m depth of 150mJy 5; Dr Stephen Serjeant is UK extragalactic coordinator for this survey. SASSy should detect galaxies which are among the top 2-3 most luminous in the observable Universe, by mapping 44% of the sky. The source counts in this regime are almost entirely unconstrained (though likely to be steep), and models predictions diverge. The steep source counts may also make SASSy an unprecedentedly efficient selector for strong gravitational lenses. The Open University is also closely involved in all the other JCMT Legacy Surveys.
D:\Docs\2018-04-18\01d93734524b18f61bad28e18b3bd35c.doc 3/12 11/05/2018 11/05/2018 AKARI is Japanese led cooled 70 cm telescope, which was successfully launched on 22 rd February 2006. It has two main instruments: the Far Infrared Survey (FIS) instrument containing Ge:Ga arrays for 50–75, 50–110, 110–200 and 150–200 m; and the mid-infrared camera (IRC) providing a well sampled 10’ x 10’ field of view at K, L, M, 7, 9, 11, 15, 20 and 25 m.. It will make an all sky survey between 2 and 200 m, with sensitivities reaching up to 100 times fainter than IRAS, and with a beam area ~ 20 times smaller. SASSy sources which are undetected by AKARI are extremely likely to be ultraluminous infrared galaxies at redshifts z>2.
The Open University group is a member of an international consortium (made up of groups at Imperial College London, The Universities of Sussex and Groningen (Netherlands), and The Open University) who developed the software pipelines being used to reduce the all-sky far- infrared survey (FIS survey) data. Three staff members at The Open University are involved in studies using AKARI data.
The FIS survey is expected to occupy the first 1.5 years of the mission, followed by two subsequent years of operation with the infrared camera (IRC), after the cryogens are all used up. At almost all wavelengths, the sensitivity of AKARI should exceed that of the current NASA Spitzer Space Telescope, and the longer wavelength capability of AKARI (to almost 200 m) is unique compared to either IRAS or Spitzer. The FIS survey will be of great importance to the planning of ESA’s 2007 launch Planck and Herschel missions. Our Consortium has access to guaranteed time data for both the FIS and the IRC instruments.
D:\Docs\2018-04-18\01d93734524b18f61bad28e18b3bd35c.doc 4/12 11/05/2018 11/05/2018 Section 1.3: PERSON SPECIFICATION Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Physics and Astronomy
Essential Criteria PhD or equivalent qualification in physics or a related subject A background of independent research (astronomical, data processing, or software development) Programming skills Good oral and written communication skills in English Demonstrable grasp of the relevant research literature Ability to work harmoniously within a team Willingness to collaborate with others in the department
Desirable Criteria Evidence of relevant astronomical experience Experience in survey astronomy Experience in infrared and/or sub-millimetre astronomy Track record of writing successful observing proposals for international telescopes Experience observing at international facilities Experience with astronomical data reduction and analysis Experience writing papers and a good publication record Demonstrable ability to participate collaboratively in future research programmes Experience with astronomical packages, e.g. IDL, IRAF, SURF Experience with shell scripting Experience with handling large data volumes Proven ability to produce succinct and clear program documentation Good presentation skills Potential to attract external funding Experience using and developing source extraction techniques Familiarity with statistical techniques, e.g. Baysean statistics Experience with the assessment of completeness and reliability in astronomy
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Section 2.1: HOW TO APPLY
Application procedure a) Your application should include: a resumé / curriculum vitae a full list of publications a brief statement (no more than two A4 pages) of your research interests. b) Please send the above documents to: Ms T. J. Moore, Recruitment Co-ordinator Department of Physics and Astronomy, The Open University Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA to arrive by 3rd August 2006
References
Three professional referees should be nominated. Please provide full contact details in the Referee section of the application form, stating any reservations you may have about our approaching them.
If you are shortlisted, your references will be taken up before the interview (unless you indicate otherwise in your application) and will be used by the panel in the selection process. Please note that a satisfactory employer’s reference must be provided before a formal offer of employment can be made. It would be helpful to warn your referees of the interview dates and the fact that, should you be shortlisted, we will be asking them to supply us with written references before your interview.
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to produce a piece of sample teaching material on a specified topic prior to the interviews. This material will be discussed with the applicant as part of the interview process.
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Eligibility: External and Internal applicants Closing date: 3rd August 2006 Pre-applications We encourage you to contact Dr Stephen Serjeant on 01908 652724, to enquiries: discuss the post informally. Shortlisting: Shortlisting will be completed as soon as possible after the closing date. Interviews: Interviews will be held in Milton Keynes, on 29th August 2006. Shortlisted applicants may be asked to give a short seminar in addition to attending a panel interview. Disabled The Open University welcomes applications from disabled people, and applicants: information about disability is requested solely in order to make appropriate arrangements for an interview if necessary. Disabled applicants whose skills and experience meet the requirements of the job will be interviewed. A map and access guide for the disabled indicating routes to buildings, lift access and reserved parking on campus is available on request. Recruitment The appointment process reflects the University’s and the Faculty of procedures: Science’s commitment to Equal Opportunities and the need to ensure these principles are reflected in all aspects of the appointment procedure. Candidates will be required to provide their eligibility to work in the U.K. by producing verifiable documents. Details of the required documents will be sent to the successful candidate at the written offer of employment stage.
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Section 3.1: THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE
The Faculty of Science has four teaching departments – Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics and Astronomy – and the Planetary and Space Sciences Research Institute.
The Faculty has a staff of about 305, comprising around 115 academic staff (central and regional) with the balance made up of research staff, course managers, laboratory staff, technicians, administrators and secretaries. There are also varying numbers of research students and visitors.
The Science Curriculum
The Faculty’s curriculum is organised into four major discipline-based areas with named awards in Geosciences, Life Sciences, Molecular Science, and Physical Science and an interdisciplinary BSc in Natural Sciences. In recent years the faculty has pioneered a range of short topic-based courses which have proved very popular with students both as a way into more serious science study, for interest, and to help with key skills (eg. Maths for Science). The Science Faculty also offers a modular masters programme leading to an MSc in Science with two ‘strands’ – Science Studies and Frontiers in Medical Science.
For more information, please see our website at http://www.open.ac.uk/science/index.htm
Section 3.2: THE DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
The Department has around 30 academic staff, including four staff tutors (based in the regions). This number also includes three of the academic staff of the Planetary & Space Science Research Institute (PSSRI) whose teaching duties are organised from the Department. The central academics are supported by four course managers, a laboratory manager, two computer managers, three technical staff, and five secretaries. There are two emeritus or honorary professors. The total complement of the Department, including post- doctoral research fellows (PDRFs) and research students, is about 80. The Department is currently headed by Prof. Nick Braithwaite. The academic staff in the Department are (alphabetical order):
Dr Sillvia Bergamini Ms Sally Jordan Dr Stephen Serjeant Dr John Bolton Dr Ulrich Kolb Dr Samantha Smidt Dr Mark Bowden Dr Robert Lambourne Prof Alan Solomon Prof Nick Braithwaite Dr Stephen Lewis (Honorary) Dr David Broadhurst Prof Ray Mackintosh Prof Russell Stannard Dr Simon Clark Dr Joy Manners (Emeritus) Dr Stuart Freake Prof Nigel Mason Prof Stephen Swithenby Dr Jimena Gorfinkiel Dr Neil McBride Dr Emma Taylor Dr Simon Green Ms Jean McCloughry Dr Jonathan Underwood Dr Carole Haswell Dr Andrew Norton Prof Glenn White Prof Barrie Jones Dr Liz Parvin Prof John Zarnecki Dr Mark Jones Dr Shelagh Ross
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There is an internationally competitive research programme in the Department, located in several research groups. The research attracts external funding from various sources, plus generous internal support. An outline of current research follows; further details can be found at http://physics.open.ac.uk/.
The Department has excellent computing facilities, supported by two computer managers, one of whom is dedicated to the research computing network. We operate a cluster of linux computers comprising over 50, mostly twin processor, machines (1GHz or 2.4GHz) with five raid units comprising 15 terabytes, fully backed-up, storage. We run versions of the Starlink software, IDL and IRAF. a) Molecular and Optical Physics Research Group & Plasma Science and Engineering Physics Research Group
A new interdepartmental grouping has been formed to bring together the molecular, optical and plasma studies in the Department of Physics and Astronomy with teams whose expertise is in Chemistry, Materials Engineering and Applied Mathematics. Together these research groups form the University’s emerging Centre for Atomic and Molecular Engineering (AME). The aim of AME is to bring people together from different disciplines, with common interests and common goals, to manipulate and probe matter at the atomic and molecular level. Within this framework, several autonomous research groups are functioning with the opportunities for the exchange of ideas, techniques and support that is enabled once a critical mass is achieved. The common theme that underlies the grouping concerns interactions with matter at the molecular scale ranging from studies of damage to single bio-molecules, induced by energetic particle impact, to the fabrication of micro-electromechanical systems by means of ‘reactive ion etching’.
In the Department of Physics and Astronomy, the Molecular and Optical Physics Research Group and the Plasma Science and Engineering Physics Research Group are each constituents of AME. The academic staff of these groups include Mason, Braithwaite,. Underwood,Bowden and Gorfinkiel. Sited in a brand new suite of research laboratories, these groups include the following areas of fundamental research:
Spectroscopy related to atmospheric studies Molecular interactions with radiation with particular emphasis on biomolecules The study of quantum phenomena in atom traps and the development of quantum optics. The investigation of plasmas with particular emphasis on their interactions with surfaces The study of physical and chemical processing at the nanoscale The study of electron and photon induced processes at the molecular level Investigation of physical and chemical modification of single biological molecules
All these areas have strong overlaps with other active research groups at the Open University, in particular the Planetary and Space Sciences Research Institute, the Medicinal Chemistry Group and the Applied Mathematics Department. The AME Centre is currently developing several research collaborations with other UK Universities. In addition much of the work forms part of larger European research programmes co-ordinated by Professor Mason and generously funded by the EC.
There are also five other academics who work in closely related research areas of quantum and statistical physics (Bergamini, Bolton, Broadhurst, Mackintosh and Solomon), two postdoctoral staff and seven postgraduate students. b) Astronomy Research Group
The Astronomy Research Group is a constituent of the University’s recently inaugurated Centre for Earth, Planetary, Space and Astronomical Research (CEPSAR). This research centre includes four research groups from the Earth Sciences Department, the two research
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Activities of the Astronomy Research Group currently focus on astrochemistry, the astrophysics of binary stars, star formation, and the astrophysics of exoplanetary systems. The academic staff of the group include Prof Barrie Jones, Prof Nigel Mason, Prof Glenn White, Dr Simon Clark, Dr Carole Haswell, Dr Ulrich Kolb, Dr Andrew Norton and Dr. Stephen Serjeant, there are also 5 postdocs and 18 postgrads. The Group is a member of the UK SALT Consortium, which owns a 4% share in the 10m Southern African Large Telescope. We are also a partner in the WASP consortium which operates two robotic sky-patrol camera systems for photometric monitoring of the whole sky. We have membership on the science teams for the 2009 ESA GENIE (Ground Based Nulling Interferometer Experiment) and the 2015 DARWIN missions, and are members of the Guaranteed Time Consortia of the Japanese ASTRO-F infrared survey mission and the 2009 HERSCHEL SPIRE instrument. Stephen Serjeant is a coordinator for the SCUBA-2 All Sky legacy survey and the SCUBA-2 Local Universe legacy survey. Nigel Mason is the co-ordinator of an EU Network in Astrobiology, and Glenn White is involved in the HERSCHEL HiGAL and Galactic Centre Open Time consortia. The Astronomy Research Group also participates in the OU’s newly established Interdisciplinary Centre for Astrobiology (ICA) which brings together researchers from across the OU’s Science Faculty as well as hosting many external visitors. We also have very close links with the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, including several group members who are jointly appointed to work at each institute. Research within the group includes the following four areas:
Astrochemistry research is targeted at the chemical and physical processing of astrophysical ices in star and planet formation region; and the properties of ices in the outer nebular regions of our own solar system, and other planet building regions. Topics include: Laboratory investigation of molecule formation in the ISM and on planetary surfaces Observational studies of the ISM Observational studies of protoplanetary and protostellar systems Infrared and interferometry mission focussed studies
Binary Star research focuses on interacting compact binary stars, particularly cataclysmic variables and X-ray binaries, and on the overall binary star population of the Galaxy. Members of the group carry out: Multiwavelength spectroscopic and photometric observations Modelling of accretion discs and the accretion process Evolutionary studies Population synthesis studies
Star Formation research focuses on understanding processes involved in (primarily) high mass star formation, in participating in the ASTRO-F Galactic Plane survey, and in star formation in external galaxies and at high redshifts: High redshift star forming galaxies in far-infrared and sub-millimetre surveys Star formation in nearby galaxies Triggered star formation and proplyds ASTRO-F Galactic Plane survey Protostellar disks The environment and life cycle of massive stars
Exoplanet research concentrates on the local population of transiting extra-solar planets and understanding the nature of ‘habitable zones’ in extra-solar systems. This work will lead on to our intended involvement in the ESA DARWIN extra-solar planet research programme. Projects include: Modelling of giant planet shielding of exo-'Earths' Modelling post-migration formation of exo-'Earths' Models of secular resonances in extra-solar planet systems Properties of the newly discovered transiting extra-solar planets from WASP
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Staff in the Physics & Astronomy Department make their main contribution to the Science curriculum through courses in Physics (including some maths courses) and in the Astronomy & Planetary Science area. Staff also contribute to Environmental Sciences courses, the Science Short Course Programme, and to the Science Masters’ degree (principally through medical physics courses).
The Centre for Innovative Physics Teaching is one of the Open University’s four Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL). It was established under the terms of the HEFCE CETL initiative and will operate between 1st April 2005 and 31st March 2010.
The key aim of the Centre is to provide a national and international nexus for the creation, implementation, evaluation, scholarly documentation and dissemination of important new ideas in the teaching and learning of physics and astronomy. To achieve this, the Centre will bring together outstanding teachers from three physics departments (the Open University and our partners at the Universities of Leicester and Reading) that already have international reputations for innovation in teaching and established records of success in HEFCE-funded teaching and learning projects.
Section 3.3: THE UNIVERSITY
The Open University transforms lives through education. It has become by far the largest university in the UK, now teaching well over 200,000 people every year. We have expanded our activities throughout Europe and our highly rated teaching materials are used by other institutions in many parts of the world. We are consistently achieving high rankings both in research and teaching quality assessments.
Teaching is through the provision of specially designed, high quality, materials encompassing traditional print texts, television, video, CD-ROM, internet and electronic conferencing together with first class personalised tuition, learning feedback and support.
The success of the Open University is due to our outstanding staff. There are around 4,500 staff plus over 7,000 Associate Lecturers. Staff and potential staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, colour, ethnic or national origin, age, socio-economic background, disability, religious or political beliefs, family circumstances, sexual orientation or other irrelevant distinction.
We are also committed to the development of our staff to their full potential through lifelong learning, offering a range of formal and informal training and development activities to ensure that staff are able to perform their jobs to the best of their abilities and to help meet individual and University objectives. Our objective is that all staff undertake a minimum of 5 days development activity in each year.
For more information see our website: http://www.open.ac.uk
Staff Development We have a strong commitment to providing training and development in and beyond your current role. This includes thorough induction into the organisation and regular reviews of your training and development needs. The objective is that all staff should undertake at least five days’ development activity in each year – this may include attendance at formal courses or other learning e.g. use of self-study material. We invest substantial time and money in our staff development provisions and we waive fees for staff wishing to study our own courses.
D:\Docs\2018-04-18\01d93734524b18f61bad28e18b3bd35c.doc 11/12 11/05/2018 11/05/2018 Leave The annual leave entitlement is 30 days (33 days for academic related staff) in addition to all bank and other public holidays and an additional 3 days at Christmas when the University is closed.
Pension Schemes Staff have the option of contributing to a Final Salary pension scheme and the University contributes around 14% of salary. Full details will be sent with any offer of employment but any preliminary enquiries should be addressed to the Pensions Section, Personnel Division (01908) 652431 or 652957.
Relocation Expenses Staff are normally expected to live within a reasonable travelling distance of their place of work. The University will make a grant for expenses necessarily incurred for removals and disturbance, within certain rules and subject to a maximum payment. Full details will be sent with any offer of employment. The removal grant does not apply on appointments of less than two years duration.
Family Friendly Policies Female staff are entitled to maternity/adoption leave for a period of 26 weeks, with full pay for the first 18 weeks, subject to minimum service conditions. Female staff have the right to return to work at any time within 52 weeks of the maternity leave start date, again subject to certain conditions. Male staff are entitled to a maximum of 10 days paid paternity leave in connection with their wife’s/partner’s confinement in any one leave year in addition to normal leave entitlement, again subject to certain conditions. Pre-School Childcare Subsidy: We have a means-tested childcare subsidy scheme. Those eligible are provided with a Childcare Voucher that can be used as part payment for the care of children under 5 years of age. For further information about the scheme contact the Personnel Division on (01908) 655050.
Milton Keynes based staff
Nurseries There are a number of nurseries in the Milton Keynes area including two on site at Walton Hall, the Open University Children’s Centre and Ravenstone House. There is a waiting list for some age groups in the Centre and an early application is advised. Since both nurseries are independent of the Open University, appointees cannot be guaranteed a place for their child. For further information telephone the Centre Leader on (01908) 653867 or Ravenstone House on (01908) 678403. There is also a Borough of Milton Keynes nursery at nearby Kingston where the University has reserved places.
Facilities Catering facilities providing meals, snacks and drinks Open University Club (offering a number of club and society events, sports and social outlets) Occupational Health Department (located on site at Walton Hall) provides professional advice to individuals and managers on all work related health issues Natwest Bank sub branch on site at Walton Hall Shop selling general provision on site at Walton Hall
Local Education Information on local schools can be obtained from the Learning and Development Directorate, Milton Keynes Borough Council on (01908) 253489.
Smoking Policy Please note that smoking is not permitted in all working areas and many of the recreational areas.
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