Job Purpose

You will contribute to/make a leading contribution to a project “Unifying Solar Non-Equilibrium Radiative Transfer and Magnetohydrodynamic Models” working with Dr Christopher Osborne. The project is part of work to bridge the gap between current post-processed radiative treatments for diagnostics of solar plasma, and utilise these as accurate radiative losses in time-dependent simulations of prominences. The project depends on the extension and application of a novel GPU-accelerated radiative transfer code. As such, we welcome applications from candidates with experience in either solar astrophysics or programming accelerator devices. The exact nature of your contribution will be tailored to your skillset and interests within the domain of the project.

The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co Investigator:

1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.

2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

3. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem. 

4. Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

5. Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

6. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.

7. Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development. 

8. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.

9. Carry out modest Teaching activities (e.g demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.

10. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

11. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate. 

12. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.

13. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

For appointment at grade 7:

14. Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, funding, collaborating and publishing research, and mentoring colleagues.

15 Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.

16. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

Knowledge &Qualifications

Essential:

A1 SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline, or equivalent.

A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of numerical physics simulation

A3 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area or subject specialism.

For appointment at Grade 7:

A4 E7 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) with at least 2 years’ post-doctoral experience in a similar or related role(s), or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience.

Desirable:

B1 An awarded (or recently submitted or near completion) PhD in subject specialism or equivalent.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Understanding of numerical simulation programming, and analysis of large datasets using Python.

C2 Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.

C3 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.

C4 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.

C5 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills

C6 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.

C7 Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.

C8 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

Desirable:

D1 Working knowledge of astrophysical radiative transfer processes, and formation of spectral lines.

D2 Knowledge of deep learning techniques (primarily deep and convolutional neural networks).

Experience

Essential:

E1 Sufficient relevant research experience (or equivalent) appropriate to an early career researcher.

E2 Experience developing complex software packages.

E3 Experience of conducting systematic reviews in relevant area.

E4 Experience of scientific writing.

E5 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

E6 Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field.

For appointment at Grade 7:

E7 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences.

E8 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.

E9 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.

E10 Experience in undertaking independent research.

Desirable:

F1 An emerging national or international reputation.

F2 Experience programming GPUs in languages such as CUDA.

F3 Experience developing astrophysical analysis software in Python.

For informal discussions about the role, please contact Dr Christopher Osborne, (Christopher.Osborne@glasgow.ac.uk) 

For further information the on the University of Glasgow’s School of Physics & Astronomy, please visit :https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/physics/

Closing date:  14 February 2025

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6/7,  £33,232 - £36,924 / £40,247 - £45,163 per annum.

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 2 years.

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit:https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa