Job Description:

The School of Mathematics & Physics at Queen’s University Belfast, is currently seeking to appoint an exceptional candidate to the post of postdoctoral researcher in exoplanet discovery and stellar activity.   

The successful applicant will work with Prof. Chris Watson and Dr. Ernst de Mooij on the mitigation of stellar activity signals and their impact on the radial-velocity follow-up and/or discovery of extrasolar planets. This will include the further investigation of newly identified stellar activity indicators, and the implementation of novel mitigation methods.  

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate you have: 

• A PhD in astronomy or astrophysics, or evidence that you are about to obtain one. 
• At least 3 years’ relevant research experience in at least one of the following areas:
  • Exoplanet discovery that includes radial velocity measurements;
  • Stellar activity characterisation via spectroscopy; and
  • The impact of stellar activity on exoplanet characterisation. 
• A strong publication record commensurate with stage of career.  

Please note that you are also required to submit your full CV, including publication list & relevant cover letter, and a two-page research statement that evidences how your experience meets the criteria of the post. Please be advised that the above must be collated into one file for uploading.   

For further information about the role including further essential and desirable criteria, click on the 'Candidate Information' link below.  

This is a fixed term position, available until 31 March 2026. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.   

At Queen’s our people are at the heart of everything we do. As a staff member you will become part of a vibrant organisational culture, which will provide you with the opportunity to achieve your full potential and enhance your career through a continuous focus on learning and development.   

We offer an excellent employment package that includes:

• Great terms & conditions
• Pension schemes
• Flexible working by enabling you to design your working week in collaboration with your manager through a blend of remote and office working                              
• Family-friendly initiatives
• Career development opportunities
• Support for health & mental wellbeing
• Generous holiday entitlement of 8.4 weeks a year (made up of 23 days annual leave, 10 closure days and 9 bank holidays)  

Queen’s University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We have created an inclusive culture by establishing staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.   

We also subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI in addition to Athena Swan. For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit: www.qub.ac.uk/diversity; www.qub.ac.uk/qgi and www.qub.ac.uk/sites/StaffGateway/StaffNetworks/.  

Informal enquiries may be directed to Prof Chris Watson -  c.a.watson@qub.ac.uk.     

Candidate Information
Attractive reward package
About the Astrophysics Research Centre
Further information for international applicants