UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM School of Physics and Astronomy Lectureship in Stellar Astrophysics Astrophysics and Space Research GroupJob references: 52928 Closing date: 8th January 2016 Post Title and Post Number Lectureship in Stellar Astrophysics Organisation Advertising School of Physics and Astronomy Description Post Number 52928 Full Time/Part Time Full Time Duration of post Open Post is open to: Internal and External Candidates Grade Grade 8 Salary Starting salary is normally in the range £38,511 to £45,954. With potential progression once in post to £51,702 a year Terms and Conditions Academic Teaching Staff Closing Date Friday 8th January 2016 Job Summary The School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham invites applications for a tenured faculty position in the Solar and Stellar Astrophysics Group at the Lectureship level, or exceptionally at a higher level. The research activities of the group are centered on studies of stars, including the Sun, the characterization of exoplanet systems, and stellar population studies, using in particular the techniques of helio- and asteroseismology. Expertise in the group spans the domains of observation and instrumentation through to theory and modelling. Members of the group have leading positions in major international projects, such as Kepler, K2, PLATO and TESS. The group runs its own global network of helioseismic observatories, the Birmingham Solar-Oscillations Network (BiSON). It is also one of the nodes of the Stellar Astrophysics Centre (SAC), an international centre of excellence in stellar and exoplanet studies. The appointment is expected to contribute to and expand existing research activities. Applications are invited in the areas of stellar and solar studies, with an emphasis on expertise in the domain of data- analysis. Experience with instrumentation may also be beneficial. The successful applicant will also contribute to the School’s undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. 1 Solar and Stellar Astrophysics at Birmingham The Solar and Stellar Physics Group is part of the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham. The Group is one of the world-leading research groups in asteroseismology and helioseismology, with expertise that spans the breadth of observation and data collection, data analysis, and modelling and interpretation. The group currently has three permanent academics, Professor William Chaplin (Head of Group), Professor Yvonne Elsworth, and Dr Andrea Miglio, as well as five postdoctoral researchers, one senior technical member of staff, seven graduate students, a technician, and a secretary. The research focus is on the study of the Sun, cool main-sequence, sub-giant and red-giant stars. This includes an interest in the characterisation of newly discovered exoplanet systems and in using asteroseismology as a tool for Galactic stellar population studies. Members of the Group have leading positions in Kepler, K2, CoRoT, TESS and PLATO. On the solar side, the group runs its own global network of helioseismic observatories, the Birmingham Solar-Oscillations Network (BiSON), and has a particular interest in studies of the solar cycle and the current unusual (by modern standards) low levels of activity. The group has a diverse funding stream, and holds grants from the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council, and the EU. The group is also part of the Stellar Astrophysics Centre (SAC), an international Centre of Excellence funded by the Danish National Research Foundation, the focus being the study of stars and exoplanetary systems using cutting-edge data from space missions, such as Kepler and CoRoT, and ground-based telescopes. The Birmingham group is one of seven international nodes. In addition to those forged through SAC, the group has extensive and wide-ranging international collaborations, through its leading involvement in major international projects. Role Purpose To enhance the strength of one of the research areas referred to above by conducting world-class research in the area. To create and disseminate knowledge through initiating and conducting original research, through publication and through developing and delivering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. To contribute to the research group and School through management and leadership. Main Responsibilities Research To plan and carry out research, using appropriate methodology and techniques: Pursue personal research including developing research ideas and winning support, including financial support. Plan, publish and/or execute high quality research Project manage research activities, and supervise other research staff Present findings in high quality publications and conference proceedings Develop novel methodologies and techniques appropriate to the type of research being pursued Supervise and examine PhD students, both within the institution and externally Provide expert advice to staff and students within the discipline Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding 2 Learning and Teaching To use a variety of methods in teaching and advising individuals and groups of undergraduates and postgraduates: Teach and examine courses at a range of levels Plan and review own teaching approaches and act as a mentor to encourage others to do the same Develop programme proposals and make substantial contributions to the design of teaching programmes more widely in the School Undertake and develop the full range of responsibilities in relation to supervision, marking and examining Use appropriate approaches to learning and teaching Disseminate appropriate practices through suitable media Develop and advise others on learning and teaching tasks and methods Devise and supervise projects, student dissertations and practical work Management/Administration To contribute to the research group and School administration or have a high level of responsibility for others: Contribute to the administration and management of research and teaching across the research group and School Advise on personal development of colleagues and students Contribute to widening participation, schools outreach, and public understanding of the discipline. Scope of the Role Contribute to the whole range of research, teaching and administration Initiate, conduct and disseminate world-class research in the subject area Contribute to the development of research strategies Publish results of own research Supervise PhD students Teach and assess at undergraduate and postgraduate level through lectures, seminars and personal supervision Plan and review own teaching and development programmes Develop and advise others Contribute to the administration and management of research and teaching across the Department/School Contribute to widening participation, schools outreach, and public understanding of the discipline. Skills and Experience PhD plus significant postdoctoral experience in the relevant areas of physics/astronomy Strong and growing research profile in one of the areas: solar, stellar and exoplanet studies High level analytical capability Ability to communicate complex information clearly Interest in, and experience of, teaching Proven ability to devise, advise on and manage learning/ research Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively Skills in managing, motivating and mentoring others successfully at all levels 3 Research Experience and achievement reflected in an international reputation Extensive experience and demonstrated success in planning, undertaking and project managing research to deliver high quality results Extensive experience of applying and/or developing and devising successful models, techniques and methods Teaching Ability to design, deliver, assess and revise teaching programmes Some experience in developing appropriate approaches to learning and teaching, and advising colleagues Management Administration Ability to contribute to School and research group management processes Ability to assess and organise resources effectively Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes Planning and Organising Plan for and set teaching programme objectives over a number of years Plan and manage own teaching courses at a range of levels (including design, delivery, assessment) as agreed with the Head of School Plan high quality research Manage research activities and supervise other research staff Organise meetings, conferences, symposia Contribute to the administration and management of research and teaching across the School Decision Making Develop learning and teaching approaches, including approach to mentoring Develop programme proposals and decide what contributions to make to the design of teaching programmes Develop research ideas Decide how to develop and undertake the research Decide where and when to present research findings and what publications and conferences to target for this purpose (with guidance, if required) Contribute to deciding what information to include in a bid for research funding and how to present the bid to maximise the likelihood of securing the funding Advise, supervise and examine PhD students Contribute to management of research group Internal/External Relationships Participate in and develop external networks Provide expert advice to staff and students within the discipline Contribute to recruitment of students Liaise with research staff and support staff on research-related matters