Asteroseismology Research Fellow - School of Physics and Astronomy Grade 7

Job Description

School of Physics and Astronomy

Location:

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to 3 years

Closing date: 14th July 2026

Applications are invited to join the Sun, Stars and Exoplanets research group in the School of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Birmingham, to work with Professor Bill Chaplin on using asteroseismology to probe magnetic activity in solar‑type stars. This is a fixed‑term, full‑time position for up to three years, with an earliest possible start date of October 2026.

Asteroseismology can provide key inferences on magnetic activity in solar‑type stars through the impact that changing magnetic fields have on their solar‑like oscillations. In this project, sensitive asteroseismic diagnostics will be applied to photometric data from the NASA Kepler and TESS missions, and the soon‑to‑be‑launched ESA PLATO mission, to provide novel constraints on the morphology of the near‑surface activity, including the latitudinal distribution of active regions and the balance of dark spots and bright faculae on the surfaces of the stars.

Helioseismology has provided a wealth of data on the Sun’s magnetic activity. The work will also utilise Sun‑as‑a‑star helioseismic data spanning multiple solar cycles (e.g., from our own global BiSON network of telescopes) to help develop, test and benchmark analysis techniques for application to the stellar data.

The successful candidate will join the vibrant Sun, Stars, and Exoplanets group, and have plenty of opportunity for collaboration with international colleagues. The group currently comprises five permanent faculty, more than ten postdoctoral and technical staff, and around ten PhD students. Its research spans the domains of helio‑ and asteroseismology, and exoplanets. In addition to running BiSON, members of the group have leadership roles and responsibilities in SPECULOOS, ASTEP, HARPS‑N and HARPS3, and are responsible for developing parts of the asteroseismic pipeline for PLATO.

The School of Physics and Astronomy is a world‑leading physics department, excelling in both research and teaching. Our physics research was ranked top in the UK for 4‑star‑category research, and 4th by GPA, by the Research Excellence Framework 2021. The School has a wide ranging research portfolio that covers three principal themes:
Astronomy and Experimental Gravity;
Particle and Nuclear Physics; and Quantum Matter. It has over 130 academic and research staff together with around 130 graduate students with around 50 technical and clerical support staff.

The School is an Institute of Physics Juno Champion since 2014 and holder of the Athena SWAN Silver Award. Both initiatives recognise a commitment to promote diversity and equality, and to encourage better practice for all members of the community, supporting an equitable working culture in which all members can achieve their full potential.

We welcome applications from all qualified applicants, but applications from traditionally under‑representated groups in physics and astronomy, such as women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, are particularly encouraged.

• A CV, including a list of publications;
• A cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your experience fits the project;
• Contact details of at least two referees.

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin‑out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disse…