Assistant Professor

Job Description

Location:

University of Warwick Campus, Coventry

Department:

Physics

Position Type:

Permanent

Salary:

£46,735 – £55,755 per annum

About the Role:

For informal enquiries, please contact Don Pollacco (Professor) at d.pollacco@warwick.ac.uk or David Brown (Senior Research Fellow) at D.J.A.Brown@warwick.ac.uk.

We are open to applications for part-time or flexible working arrangements, even if the position is advertised as full-time, unless there are operational or other valid reasons that prevent us from offering this flexibility.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join the PLATO Mission Consortium and the PLATO Science Management Office, a key entity in defining and validating the scientific goals of the mission. The office is part of the Astronomy and Astrophysics Group within the Department of Physics at the University of Warwick. This is a permanent position at the university.

As a key member of the team, you will contribute to the PLATO mission, a space mission dedicated to discovering terrestrial, habitable-zone planets orbiting Sun-like stars. You will support over 500 scientists across Europe, and depending on your mission responsibilities, you will have the opportunity for up to 25% research time. The PLATO spacecraft is on track for its planned launch in the final quarter of 2026.

About You:

We are seeking an individual with a PhD in Astrophysics or a related field and a strong record of supporting research projects and contributions to astrophysics, particularly in areas such as exoplanets, asteroseismology, or low-mass stars.

For more details on the qualifications required, please refer to the Personal Specification section in the attached job description.

About the Department:

The PLATO Science Management Office and Astrophysics at Warwick

The PLATO Science Management (PSM) Office was established at the University of Warwick in 2016, with a focus on supporting the science development and validation of the mission by coordinating the efforts of scientists across Europe. More information about the PSM can be found here:
PLATO Science Management Office at Warwick.

Post-launch, the office and its team will oversee data verification from the spacecraft as well as ground-based support data.

Research within the Department of Physics is divided across two major groups:

The Astronomy and Astrophysics Group focuses on time-resolved observational astrophysics, including studies of white dwarfs, high-energy transient events (e.g., gamma-ray bursts, stellar remnant mergers), and the characterization of exoplanets. The group utilizes ground-based and space telescopes and operates facilities in Chile, Australia, and La Palma.

The Centre for Fusion Space and Astrophysics explores plasma physics in relation to magnetic and inertial fusion, space plasma physics, solar physics, and astrophysics, combining theoretical research, experimental data analysis, and high-performance computing.

Department of Physics:

This position will be based in the Department of Physics, a vibrant and dynamic academic department with over 200 academic and professional staff, 800 undergraduate students, and 200 postgraduate researchers. The department fosters an inclusive community, committed to excellence in both teaching and research.

We are proud of our diverse staff, students, and visitors, and we are committed to creating an environment of mutual respect and dignity. The department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, recognizing its commitment to gender equality, and is a Juno Champion, an award recognizing efforts to address the underrepresentation of women in physics.

Further information on working within the Department of Physics and the benefits offered can be found here:
Working at the Department of Physics.

Flexible Working:

The University supports flexible working arrangements and will consider requests for part-time working or job-share where possible.

Childcare for Interviews:

Childcare may be available at the University of Warwick Nursery to assist with attending an interview, subject to availability. For more information, visit the Nursery’s website:
Warwick Nursery Services.

About the University:

Founded in the 1960s with a bold, imaginative, and collaborative vision, the University of Warwick is a world-leading research university committed to the highest academic and research standards. Ranked 67th globally and 10th in the UK according to the QS World University Rankings 2024, Warwick is home to a diverse and globally connected community focused on real-world progress.

To learn more about Warwick, visit our website.

How to Apply:

Closing Date: Monday, 5th May 2025 at 23:55 (GMT)

To apply, please complete the application form by the closing date. Be aware that you will not be able to submit an application after this deadline, even if you start the process close to the closing time.

When applying, please include the following:

CV: Include your full employment history, education, and any relevant experience, along with a comprehensive publication list.

Cover Letter: Explain your motivation for applying for this role and demonstrate how you meet both the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the job description.

Research Accomplishments: Provide a concise summary of your research achievements and relevant organisational and technical experience.

If you need assistance with obtaining the right to work in the UK or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please visit the following link for more information:
Right to Work in the UK.

We look forward to receiving your application.