Research Associate – School of Physics and Astronomy – 106929 – Grade 6 Full-time

Research Associate Position

Applications are invited to join the Sun, Stars and Exoplanets Research Group in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Birmingham, as part of the growing and dynamic team of Dr Annelies Mortier working in exoplanets and stellar astrophysics.

We are seeking to appoint one motivated UKRI-funded research associate as part of the FLF project “Finding a Second Earth Through Stellar Understanding” – PI Mortier. This research project aims to improve the precise and stable extraction of stellar radial velocity from high-resolution spectra, taking into account the effects of stellar magnetic variability; build, deploy and exploit a polarising Solar Telescope connected with a high-resolution stabilised spectrograph; study the Sun-as-a-star during Solar maximum, connecting the large-scale magnetic flux variations with the observed radial velocity variability; and put Earth in an exoplanet context focusing on the chemical diversity of planets and their hosts. For this specific role, the focus will be on the accurate determination of stellar atmospheric parameters and individual chemical abundances to inform both the RV extraction as well as the planet demographics.

The successful applicant should have expertise in the use of high-resolution stellar spectroscopy, in-depth stellar characterisation, and the understanding of model systematics using large data sets. The successful applicant will work primarily with Dr Annelies Mortier and other members in her team.

Role requirements include:

• Master degree in astrophysics/astronomy
• Research experience in astrophysics/astronomy
• Expertise in the use of high-resolution optical stellar spectroscopy
• Proven track record in accurate stellar characterisation

Application process:

You should make sure to attach the following to your application as one pdf file: a CV (max 2 pages); a full publication list; a research statement (max 3 pages). An online form will ask for contact details for two referees who we can contact at any point in the process. In the form, you will also get a mandatory question asking to specify the reasons to apply. You should simply point to your uploaded document. All applications received by the deadline (Sunday 8th February 2026) will receive full consideration. We anticipate interviews to take place 16th February 2026.

Environment:

The School of Physics and Astronomy is a world-leading physics department, excelling in both research and teaching. Our physics research was recently ranked top in the UK for 4-star-category research, and 4th by GPA, by the Research Excellence Framework 2021. The 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Professor Mike Kosterlitz and Professor David Thouless jointly for their work into the discoveries of the properties of matter, work which started when they were at Birmingham together. The 2017 Nobel Prize was awarded for the detection of gravitational waves, in which Birmingham staff played a key role. The School is an excellent environment for an upcoming academic.

The School's research portfolio is wide-ranging, and covers three principal themes: Quantum Matter; Particle and Nuclear Physics; and Astronomy and Experimental Gravity. It has over 120 academic and research staff together with 120 graduate students with around 50 technical and clerical support staff.

The School of Physics and Astronomy is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of the Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise the School's commitment to promote diversity and equality, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, whilst also working towards developing an equitable working culture in which all students and staff can achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, but applications from traditionally under-represented groups in Physics and Astronomy are particularly encouraged. We are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

Main duties:

• Collect stellar spectroscopic data
• Analyse spectroscopic data using state-of-the-art pipelines
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, giving seminars and presenting at conferences
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods to further advance spectroscopic stellar analysis
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person specification:

• Masters Degree or equivalent in astrophysics
• Practical experience of applying spectroscopic stellar analysis
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully, including large databases
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Dr Annelies Mortier, email: a.mortier@bham.ac.uk

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.